Готель з привидами

           Twiceherattentionwasdistractedfromthecounting,bysoundsoutside—bytheclockchimingthehalf-hourpasttwelve;andthenagain,bythefallofapairofbootsontheupperfloor,thrownouttobecleaned,withthatbarbarousdisregardofthecomfortofotherswhichisobservableinhumanitywhenitinhabitsanhotel.Inthesilencethatfollowedthesepassingdisturbances,Agneswentoncountingtherosesonthearm-chair,moreandmoreslowly.Beforelong,sheconfusedherselfinthefigures—triedtobegincountingagain—thoughtshewouldwaitalittlefirst—felthereyelidsdrooping,andherheadreclininglowerandloweronthepillow—sighedfaintly—andsankintosleep.

           Howlongthatfirstsleeplasted,sheneverknew.Shecouldonlyremember,intheafter-time,thatshewokeinstantly.

           Everyfacultyandperceptioninherpassedtheboundarylinebetweeninsensibilityandconsciousness,sotospeak,ataleap.Withoutknowingwhy,shesatupsuddenlyinthebed,listeningforsheknewnotwhat.Herheadwasinawhirl;herheartbeatfuriously,withoutanyassignablecause.Butonetrivialeventhadhappenedduringtheintervalwhileshehadbeenasleep.Thenight-lighthadgoneout;andtheroom,asamatterofcourse,wasintotaldarkness.

           Shefeltforthematch-box,andpausedafterfindingit.Avaguesenseofconfusionwasstillinhermind.Shewasinnohurrytolightthematch.Thepauseinthedarknesswas,forthemoment,agreeabletoher.