end to the other. It was a scene of perfect enchantment. Opposite to us Helen and her companions presented a splendid picture under their glittering canopy—a fitting termination to a vista of indescribable loveliness.
From the examination of these objects we turned to one of a totally different aspect, and one which I was not prepared to see. A curtain had been silently drawn up behind us, displaying what appeared to be a mirror of gigantic proportions. It reflected at first the scene winch we had just witnessed, the whole length of the hall, the Doctor and I standing together in the foreground. We were very much alike, but he was apparently much the younger and larger man of the two. His light fair hair and juvenile ruddy countenance contrasted favourably with my grizzly locks, and weather-beaten features. By degrees the scene in the mirror changed. A cloud came between us and the brightness, and when it cleared away I saw depicted a picture of a dark and dismal country, with rugged mountains far away, and wild rocks and fantastic trees abounding in the foreground. A river that looked like one of molten lead appeared to flow sluggishly through the land. The atmosphere was grim in the extreme, and the obscurity was rendered still more palpable by the reflections of fierce fires in the distance.
The Doctor now prepared to leave the apartment. We passed along the side which I had not previously seen, and I beheld new wonders. He led me again up to the group under the canopy, and stood before them for some moments in silence. Then he kissed them all, and bade them farewell.
We returned to the secret door, and relit our lamp, The weird lights of the enchanted hall were suddenly extinguished. We descended the rugged steps in safety, and I hastened to my bed, where I was soon buried in profound slumber.
