“In that case, sir,” rejoined Dewhurst, “the occurrences of last night, though sufficiently discreditable to you, will not be without profit; for I have observed to my infinite regret, that you are apt to indulge in immoderate potations, and when under their influence to lose due command of yourself, and commit follies which your sober reason must condemn.  At such times I scarcely recognise you.  You speak with unbecoming levity, and even allow oaths to escape your lips.”

“It is too true, reverend sir,” said Nicholas; “but, zounds!—­a plague upon my tongue—­it is an unruly member.  Forgive me, good sir, but my brain is a little confused.”

“I do not wonder, from the grievous assaults made upon it last night, Nicholas,” observed Sir Ralph.  “Perhaps you are not aware that your crowning act was whisking wildly round the room by yourself, like a frantic dervish.”

“I was dancing with Isole de Heton,” said Nicholas.

“With whom?” inquired Dewhurst, in surprise.

“With a wicked votaress, who has been dead nearly a couple of centuries,” interposed Sir Ralph; “and who, by her sinful life, merited the punishment she is said to have incurred.  This delusion shows how dreadfully intoxicated you were, Nicholas.  For the time you had quite lost your reason.”

“I am sober enough now, at all events,” rejoined Nicholas; “and I am convinced that Isole did dance with me, nor will any arguments reason me out of that belief.”

“I am sorry to hear you say so, Nicholas,” returned Sir Ralph.  “That you were under the impression at the time I can easily understand; but that you should persist in such a senseless and wicked notion is more than I can comprehend.”

“I saw her with my own eyes as plainly as I see you, Sir Ralph,” replied Nicholas, warmly; “that I declare upon my honour and conscience, and I also felt the pressure of her arms.  Whether it may not have been the Fiend in her likeness I will not take upon me to declare—­and indeed I have some misgivings on the subject; but that a beautiful creature, exactly resembling the votaress, danced with me, I will ever maintain.”

“If so, she was invisible to others, for I beheld her not,” said Sir Ralph; “and, though I cannot yield credence to your explanation, yet, granting it to be correct, I do not see how it mends your case.”

“On the contrary, it only proves that Master Nicholas yielded to the snares of Satan,” said Dewhurst, shaking his head.  “I would recommend you long fasting and frequent prayer, my good sir, and I shall prepare a lecture for your special edification, which I will propound to you on your return to Downham, and, if it fails in effect, I will persevere with other godly discourses.”