linen vestment, pointed with his forefinger to five large
flambeaux, or torches, placed on each side of the altar. They
took fire successively at the approach of his hand, or rather of
his finger, and spread a strong light through the room. By this
the visitors could discern that, on the seeming altar, were
disposed two naked swords laid crosswise; a large open book,
which they conceived to be a copy of the Holy Scriptures, but in
a language to them unknown; and beside this mysterious volume was
placed a human skull. But what struck the sisters most was a
very tall and broad mirror, which occupied all the space behind
the altar, and, illumined by the lighted torches, reflected the
mysterious articles which were laid upon it.

The master then placed himself between the two ladies, and,
pointing to the mirror, took each by the hand, but without
speaking a syllable. They gazed intently on the polished and
sable space to which he had directed their attention. Suddenly
the surface assumed a new and singular appearance. It no longer
simply reflected the objects placed before it, but, as if it had
self-contained scenery of its own, objects began to appear within
it, at first in a disorderly, indistinct, and miscellaneous
manner, like form arranging itself out of chaos; at length, in
distinct and defined shape and symmetry. It was thus that, after
some shifting of light and darkness over the face of the
wonderful glass, a long perspective of arches and columns began
to arrange itself on its sides, and a vaulted roof on the upper
part of it, till, after many oscillations, the whole vision
gained a fixed and stationary appearance, representing the
interior of a foreign church. The pillars were stately, and hung
with scutcheons; the arches were lofty and magnificent; the floor