Ah! No doubt he had forgotten to shut it fast; a current of air or a sudden draught had opened it.

That noise had awakened him.

More than that, remembering the lightning flash of dream consciousness, it had been the CAUSE of his dream.

Yet, for a few moments he listened attentively.
What might have been the dull reverberation of a closing door in the direction of the housekeeper's room, on the lower story, was all he heard.

He smiled, for even that, natural as it might be, was less distinct and real than his absurd vision.
Nevertheless the next afternoon he concluded to walk over to Audley Friars for his Christmas dinner.