at anything. He stood there, and I held up the candle and gazed at him for three or four seconds in utter amazement, and then, as I passed up the staircase, he disappeared. The impression left on my mind was so vivid that I fully intended waking a friend who occupied the same room as myself, but remembering that I should only be laughed at as romantic and imaginative, refrained from doing so.
I was not frightened at the appearance of Mr. Godfrey, but felt much excited, and could not sleep afterwards.
On the 21st of the same month I heard a full account of the incident given above from Mr. Godfrey, and on the day following from Mrs . Mrs. told me that the figure appeared quite distinct and lifelike at first, though she could not remember to have noticed more than the upper part of the body. As she looked, it grew more and more shadowy, and finally faded away. Mrs. , it should be added, had previously seen two phantasmal figures representing a parent whom she had recently lost.[1]
Mr. Godfrey at our request made two other trials, without, of course, letting Mrs. know his intention. The first of these attempts was without result, owing perhaps to the date chosen, as he was aware at the time, being unsuitable. But in a trial made on the 7th December, 1886, complete success was again attained. Mrs. has had no visual hallucinations except on the occasions mentioned.
It will be noticed that the dress of the apparition
- ↑ These details are taken from notes made by me immediately after the interview.
