The fire had gone out in the stove; the room was in utter darkness; and the bell still pealed loud enough to raise the neighborhood.
"'Who's there ?' I said, half-opening the door, through which the wind and rain came rushing.

'And what, in the name of ten thousand devils, do you want ?" "'I want an artist,' said my visitor, in Italian.

'Are you one ?' "'I flatter myself that I am,' replied I, still holding the door tolerably close.
"'Can you paint heads ?' "'Heads, figures, landscapes--anything,' said I, with my teeth chattering like castanets.
"The stranger pushed the door open, walked in without further ceremony, closed it behind him, and said, in a low, distinct voice:-- "'Could you take the portrait of a dead man ?' "'Of a dead man ?' I stammered.

'I--I ...

Suppose I strike a light ?' "The stranger laid his hand upon my arm.
"'Not till you have given me an answer,' said he.