It appears to be in that strange mental condition which most of ourselves must often enough have experienced in the case of dreams — a kind of dread fascination, which enchains all the mental faculties, and causes, as it were, a failure of the faculties of the brain.

an overhand shuffle of a deck of cards

This was an unnecessary and frivolent post that did not contain any reason or logic. — http://groups-beta.google.com/group/rec.games.computer.ultima.series/msg/4dd74e0205254b64

She ran to the door and there beheld the ragged street urchin calmly playing his organ.