An account

The fact is she only woke for an instant, and as she is 9 years younger than myself, and I saw she believed I had only been dreaming this, I spared her. I had not fallen asleep. I did not argue the point with her, or refer to it again for some long time after. It was the same with my father. I called out Mrs. W.'s name, and he referred to it as a dream in the morning. But I confided in a sister, then recently married to a Norfolk clergyman, who was very near my own age. I was the more led to do this as the lady who stood near me was her husband's mother. The account goes on to say how exceptionally ■.n f^i 50 FURTHER VISUAL CASES [chap. interested the lady had been in the route and experience of the travellers; and concludes thus : In those days such things were subjects of ridicule and unbelief more than they now are, and I am surprised how lightly I took what yet I felt positive was no dream. The sister to whom Miss H. mentioned her experience writes to her as follows, on December 4th, 1885 : — My Dear Elise, — I fully remember your naming the vision of Mrs. W. which you had on the very evening on which she died. We compared notes faithfully at the time ; and it was most remarkable because she had not been visibly worse, and died at the last suddenly. She had thought a great deal about you being in a Roman Catholic country at the time of some great council, and had named in two or three letters that she should be glad when you got home ; so you were on her mind. I believe you named it in a letter, but I can't find it. But I am as sure of the fact of your telling me (on your return home, and coming here on the way) all particulars as if it was yesterday — the rooms en suite, and our father hearing you call out to Memie, who had fallen asleep before you ; and you naming ' Mrs. W.' to father, and he, supposing it was a dream, trying to soothe you. And you, though feeling sure you were awake, yet tried to think it was a sort of dream ' as when one awaketh.' The first news you received from England was the account of the peaceful and rather sudden death of one who was renowned for energy of spirit all her life, and who was full of imagination and great love for you. This is my statement. The dates were carefully compared, that I am sure of. My husband is as certain as I am of all I say. — Your afi ectionate sister,