It intoxicated me; and I opened the door that separated us.

Erik rose, as I entered, BUT DARED NOT TURN IN MY DIRECTION.

'Erik,' I cried, 'show me your face without fear! I swear that you are the most unhappy and sublime of men; and, if ever again I shiver when I look at you, it will be because I am thinking of the splendor of your genius!' Then Erik turned round, for he believed me, and I also had faith in myself.

He fell at my feet, with words of love ...

with words of love in his dead mouth ...