In the middle of the room was a canopy, from which hung curtains of red brocaded stuff, and, under the canopy, an open coffin.

'That is where I sleep,' said Erik.
'One has to get used to everything in life, even to eternity.' The sight upset me so much that I turned away my head.
"Then I saw the keyboard of an organ which filled one whole side of the walls.

On the desk was a music-book covered with red notes.

I asked leave to look at it and read, 'Don Juan Triumphant.' 'Yes,' he said, 'I compose sometimes.' I began that work twenty years ago.

When I have finished, I shall take it away with me in that coffin and never wake up again.' 'You must work at it as seldom as you can,' I said.