the soft touch of horror

I had a horrible experience in the catacombs on Sunday. Whilst mooching along at the back of the guided tour, as a sort of dare I put my hand thru one of the grills and felt the coffin inside. What HORROR! instead of smooth cold wood, it was one of those rich Victorian, upholstered ones.
The touch of that soft, mouldering black velvet is unforgettable.