…was different. My wife had formerly been a cook in good families in the West End, and I had often gone out waiting; so that I had a pretty correct notion of what’s what, and could sum up the social status of a family in the twinkling of an eye, if I could get but one peep at the setting of their dinner-table.”What I saw in this instance perplexed me. The owner of the house was supposed to be a gentleman in a good position, but the setting of the cloth was the worst I’ve ever seen. To begin with, the serviettes were put on anyhow; indeed, I noticed that there were one or two short — the table was set for six, and I could only count four serviettes. Then there was an unnecessary amount of silver, both table and sideboard literally groaning under the weight of it….

…— I hurried on, urged whither I knew not. It seemed to me that I was seeking some familiar spot — some known harbour of refuge against a vague, unimagined danger that pursued me; and, as I pressed forward, the air grew more and more oppressive. Then I met things — horrible things with clammy hands that tried to keep me back; and as I felt their loathsome touch and foetid breath a great weakness filled my limbs.”God of mercy!” I cried, ”Help me, and keep me from these.”Then in some inexplicable manner a new strength came into my body. Taking courage, I leaped forward; I hurled aside my assailants, and I could hear them mocking and cursing as I broke through them.Just as the haven I longed-for came in sight — and I know not what it was or how I knew it — I saw a beautiful maiden…