An unpleasant suspicion grew stronger; became conviction.

Astonishment seized him and became--dread! No sound of breathing came from the seated figure! He crept slowly and noiselessly round the table, pausing twice to listen.
At last he could lay his hand on the back of the armchair.

He bent down until the two heads were ear to ear.
Then he bent still lower to look up at his visitor's face.

He started violently and uttered an exclamation.

The eyes were void spaces of white.
He looked again and saw that they were open and with the pupils rolled under the lids.