Laura's Childhood Nightmare

Laura, the narrator, recalls a terrifying incident from her early childhood in the schloss in Styria. She awoke one night to find a beautiful young woman kneeling beside her bed, who then lay down and caressed her. Laura felt a sharp pain like two needles piercing her breast and cried out, causing the woman to retreat under the bed. The household was alarmed, and despite finding no physical marks, they kept a servant in her room for years afterward. This event left a lasting impression of horror on Laura, shaping her later perceptions.