I would have called for aid, but the sound expired ere it could pass my lips.

My nerves were bound up in impotence, and I remained in the same attitude inanimate as a Statue.
The visionary Nun looked upon me for some minutes in silence: There was something petrifying in her regard.

At length in a low sepulchral voice She pronounced the following words.
"Raymond! Raymond! Thou art mine! Raymond! Raymond! I am thine! In thy veins while blood shall roll, I am thine! Thou art mine! Mine thy body! Mine thy soul!----" Breathless with fear, I listened while She repeated my own expressions.
The Apparition seated herself opposite to me at the foot of the Bed, and was silent.

Her eyes were fixed earnestly upon mine: They seemed endowed with the property of the Rattlesnake's, for I strove in vain to look off her.

My eyes were fascinated, and I had not the power of withdrawing them from the Spectre's.
In this attitude She remained for a whole long hour without speaking or moving; nor was I able to do either.