18. XVIII.
“He had scarcely done so, when he heard a tap
on the window, as of one claiming admission. He
started, he trembled — a guilty fear rose in his
throat and choked him.
“`It is he — the demon — the spectre!' he exclaimed,
gaspingly.
“`Bid him enter,' cried the old man, who had
returned to the apartment without their perceiving
either his departure or his entrance, and who
seemed perfectly conversant with the whole narrative
—
“`Bid him enter, Carl.'
“But Carl hesitated and trembled. He moved
not; and Matilda rose to her feet.
“`I fear nothing!' she exclaimed — `I will
throw open the window. If it be the spirit of
Herman Ottfried, he will not harm me. If it be
other than his, it cannot. God be with me — for
I will do it!'
“The voice of the old man arrested her, as she
was about to do what she had said.
“`Daughter!'
“She turned, and saw that his eye rested anxiously
upon Carl, and she then understood that
the office belonged to her husband. She did not
need to look upon him twice. He had been praying
while she spoke, and he now rose.
“`No, Matilda — the task should be mine. I
have looked upon the fiend before — I do not fear
to look upon him again. Still less do I fear —
having your eyes upon, and your prayers for, me.'
“A horrible yell of laughter reached his ears from
the outside, and half unmanned him. He shivered
all over; but just then the aged guest repeated
these words, as if for himself.
“`The Lord is my strength, and my redeemer.
He is with me, and I fear not the evil one. Be of
good cheer, oh, my soul, for in this is thy strength.
Thou shalt prevail in the strife with thy enemy,
even as love prevaileth over hate, and the spirit of
God over the spirit of the devil.'
“With a single blow of his fist, Carl threw
wide the shutter, and though his voice trembled
while he spoke, yet the words which he uttered
were distinct —
“`Enter — if it be God's will — enter!'
