Lucy was fitfully sleeping,twisted in the black silk sheets of her bed,her alabaster breasts threatening to spill from her nightgown. Van Helsing gazed at her for a few seconds,then turned to me and snapped "und so this is your fiance?" I nodded and turned my head that the Professor might not see the tears welling in my eyes.Von Helsing suddenly jerked the sheet away,displaying her nearly naked,silky-smooth body."I will need a little time alone with her to conduct a thorough examination,"he said.

It was nearly an hour before Van Helsing had completed his work.I knocked several times upon the door,only to hear his voice urging me "find somesing else to do,you annoying little nose-picker!" Arcane mumblings and groans emanated from the chamber,testimony to the Professor's strenuous efforts on Lucy's behalf. At last the door was opened,Van Helsing greeted me,mopping his brow with a handkerchief."Come and look," he said.He took Lucy's elegant hand and turned it palm up."Do you see the marks?" He said."She has come under the influence of Count Fielding." I looked closely,but at last admitted I saw nothing unusual."Fool! Look at der fingertips! AH HA! Calloused! He has her playing scales,probably for hours,possibly on a 12 String Ovation Cut-away...it is difficult to tell." I collapsed into a chair,my head cradled in my hands. Van Helsing placed his hand gently upon my shoulder."There is hope,my young friend," he said," but we must keep him from her.She is in need of our help,for without us she..." I looked up,to find his jaw clenched,his eyes set angrily. "Without us she is doomed to become," he whispered "a musician1"