’Andnow，’saidLordArthur，risingfromhisseat，’prayletmeknowhowmuchIaminyourdebt。’
’Itissuchasmallmatter，LordArthur，thatIdonotcaretomakeanycharge。Thedynamitecomestosevenandsixpence，theclockwillbethreepoundsten，andthecarriageaboutfiveshillings。I
amonlytoopleasedtoobligeanyfriendofCountRouvaloff’s。’
’Butyourtrouble，HerrWinckelkopf？’
’Oh，thatisnothing！Itisapleasuretome。Idonotworkformoney;Iliveentirelyformyart。’
LordArthurlaiddown4pounds，2s。6d。onthetable，thankedthelittleGermanforhiskindness，and，havingsucceededindeclininganinvitationtomeetsomeAnarchistsatameat-teaonthefollowingSaturday，leftthehouseandwentofftothePark。
Forthenexttwodayshewasinastateofthegreatestexcitement，andonFridayattwelveo’clockhedrovedowntotheBuckinghamtowaitfornews。Alltheafternoonthestolidhall-porterkeptpostinguptelegramsfromvariouspartsofthecountrygivingtheresultsofhorse-races，theverdictsindivorcesuits，thestateoftheweather，andthelike，whilethetapetickedoutwearisomedetailsaboutanall-nightsittingintheHouseofCommons，andasmallpanicontheStockExchange。Atfouro’clocktheeveningpaperscamein，andLordArthurdisappearedintothelibrarywiththePALLMALL，theST。JAMES’S，theGLOBE，andtheECHO，totheimmenseindignationofColonelGoodchild，whowantedtoreadthereportsofaspeechhehaddeliveredthatmorningattheMansionHouse，onthesubjectofSouthAfricanMissions，andtheadvisabilityofhavingblackBishopsineveryprovince，andforsomereasonorotherhadastrongprejudiceagainsttheEVENING
NEWS。Noneofthepapers，however，containedeventheslightestallusiontoChichester，andLordArthurfeltthattheattemptmusthavefailed。Itwasaterribleblowtohim，andforatimehewasquiteunnerved。HerrWinckelkopf，whomhewenttoseethenextdaywasfullofelaborateapologies，andofferedtosupplyhimwithanotherclockfreeofcharge，orwithacaseofnitro-glycerinebombsatcostprice。Buthehadlostallfaithinexplosives，andHerrWinckelkopfhimselfacknowledgedthateverythingissoadulteratednowadays，thatevendynamitecanhardlybegotinapurecondition。ThelittleGerman，however，whileadmittingthatsomethingmusthavegonewrongwiththemachinery，wasnotwithouthopethattheclockmightstillgooff，andinstancedthecaseofabarometerthathehadoncesenttothemilitaryGovernoratOdessa，which，thoughtimedtoexplodeintendays，hadnotdonesoforsomethinglikethreemonths。Itwasquitetruethatwhenitdidgooff，itmerelysucceededinblowingahousemaidtoatoms，theGovernorhavinggoneoutoftownsixweeksbefore，butatleastitshowedthatdynamite，asadestructiveforce，was，whenunderthecontrolofmachinery，apowerful，thoughasomewhatunpunctualagent。LordArthurwasalittleconsoledbythisreflection，butevenherehewasdestinedtodisappointment，fortwodaysafterwards，ashewasgoingupstairs，theDuchesscalledhimintoherboudoir，andshowedhimalettershehadjustreceivedfromtheDeanery。
’Janewritescharmingletters，’saidtheDuchess;’youmustreallyreadherlast。ItisquiteasgoodasthenovelsMudiesendsus。’
LordArthurseizedtheletterfromherhand。Itranasfollows：-
THEDEANERY，CHICHESTER，27THMAY。
MyDearestAunt，ThankyousomuchfortheflannelfortheDorcasSociety，andalsoforthegingham。Iquiteagreewithyouthatitisnonsensetheirwantingtowearprettythings，buteverybodyissoRadicalandirreligiousnowadays，thatitisdifficulttomakethemseethattheyshouldnottryanddressliketheupperclasses。IamsureI
don’tknowwhatwearecomingto。Aspapahasoftensaidinhissermons，weliveinanageofunbelief。
WehavehadgreatfunoveraclockthatanunknownadmirersentpapalastThursday。ItarrivedinawoodenboxfromLondon，carriagepaid，andpapafeelsitmusthavebeensentbysomeonewhohadreadhisremarkablesermon，’IsLicenceLiberty？’foronthetopoftheclockwasafigureofawoman，withwhatpapasaidwasthecapofLibertyonherhead。Ididn’tthinkitverybecomingmyself，butpapasaiditwashistorical，soIsupposeitisallright。Parkerunpackedit，andpapaputitonthemantelpieceinthelibrary，andwewereallsittingthereonFridaymorning，whenjustastheclockstrucktwelve，weheardawhirringnoise，alittlepuffofsmokecamefromthepedestalofthefigure，andthegoddessofLibertyfelloff，andbrokehernoseonthefender！Mariawasquitealarmed，butitlookedsoridiculous，thatJamesandIwentoffintofitsoflaughter，andevenpapawasamused。Whenweexaminedit，wefounditwasasortofalarumclock，andthat，ifyousetittoaparticularhour，andputsomegunpowderandacapunderalittlehammer，itwentoffwheneveryouwanted。Papasaiditmustnotremaininthelibrary，asitmadeanoise，soReggiecarrieditawaytotheschoolroom，anddoesnothingbuthavesmallexplosionsalldaylong。DoyouthinkArthurwouldlikeoneforaweddingpresent？IsupposetheyarequitefashionableinLondon。Papasaystheyshoulddoagreatdealofgood，astheyshowthatLibertycan’tlast，butmustfalldown。
PapasaysLibertywasinventedatthetimeoftheFrenchRevolution。Howawfulitseems！
IhavenowtogototheDorcas，whereIwillreadthemyourmostinstructiveletter。Howtrue，dearaunt，yourideais，thatintheirrankoflifetheyshouldwearwhatisunbecoming。Imustsayitisabsurd，theiranxietyaboutdress，whentherearesomanymoreimportantthingsinthisworld，andinthenext。Iamsogladyourfloweredpoplinturnedoutsowell，andthatyourlacewasnottorn。Iamwearingmyyellowsatin，thatyousokindlygaveme，attheBishop’sonWednesday，andthinkitwilllookallright。Wouldyouhavebowsornot？Jenningssaysthateveryonewearsbowsnow，andthattheunderskirtshouldbefrilled。Reggiehasjusthadanotherexplosion，andpapahasorderedtheclocktobesenttothestables。Idon’tthinkpapalikesitsomuchashedidatfirst，thoughheisveryflatteredatbeingsentsuchaprettyandingenioustoy。Itshowsthatpeoplereadhissermons，andprofitbythem。
Papasendshislove，inwhichJames，andReggie，andMariaallunite，and，hopingthatUncleCecil’sgoutisbetter，believeme，dearaunt，everyouraffectionateniece，JANEPERCY。
PS-Dotellmeaboutthebows。Jenningsinsiststheyarethefashion。
LordArthurlookedsoseriousandunhappyovertheletter，thattheDuchesswentintofitsoflaughter。
’MydearArthur，’shecried，’Ishallnevershowyouayounglady’sletteragain！ButwhatshallIsayabouttheclock？Ithinkitisacapitalinvention，andIshouldliketohaveonemyself。’
’Idon’tthinkmuchofthem，’saidLordArthur，withasadsmile，and，afterkissinghismother，helefttheroom。
Whenhegotupstairs，heflunghimselfonasofa，andhiseyesfilledwithtears。Hehaddonehisbesttocommitthismurder，butonbothoccasionshehadfailed，andthroughnofaultofhisown。
Hehadtriedtodohisduty，butitseemedasifDestinyherselfhadturnedtraitor。Hewasoppressedwiththesenseofthebarrennessofgoodintentions，ofthefutilityoftryingtobefine。Perhaps，itwouldbebettertobreakoffthemarriagealtogether。Sybilwouldsuffer，itistrue，butsufferingcouldnotreallymaranaturesonobleashers。Asforhimself，whatdiditmatter？Thereisalwayssomewarinwhichamancandie，somecausetowhichamancangivehislife，andaslifehadnopleasureforhim，sodeathhadnoterror。LetDestinyworkouthisdoom。
Hewouldnotstirtohelpher。
Athalf-pastsevenhedressed，andwentdowntotheclub。Surbitonwastherewithapartyofyoungmen，andhewasobligedtodinewiththem。Theirtrivialconversationandidlejestsdidnotinteresthim，andassoonascoffeewasbroughtheleftthem，inventingsomeengagementinordertogetaway。Ashewasgoingoutoftheclub，thehall-porterhandedhimaletter。ItwasfromHerrWinckelkopf，askinghimtocalldownthenextevening，andlookatanexplosiveumbrella，thatwentoffassoonasitwasopened。Itwastheverylatestinvention，andhadjustarrivedfromGeneva。Hetoretheletterupintofragments。Hehadmadeuphismindnottotryanymoreexperiments。ThenhewandereddowntotheThamesEmbankment，andsatforhoursbytheriver。Themoonpeeredthroughamaneoftawnyclouds，asifitwerealion’seye，andinnumerablestarsspangledthehollowvault，likegolddustpowderedonapurpledome。Nowandthenabargeswungoutintotheturbidstream，andfloatedawaywiththetide，andtherailwaysignalschangedfromgreentoscarletasthetrainsranshriekingacrossthebridge。Aftersometime，twelveo’clockboomedfromthetalltoweratWestminster，andateachstrokeofthesonorousbellthenightseemedtotremble。Thentherailwaylightswentout，onesolitarylampleftgleaminglikealargerubyonagiantmast，andtheroarofthecitybecamefainter。
Attwoo’clockhegotup，andstrolledtowardsBlackfriars。Howunrealeverythinglooked！Howlikeastrangedream！Thehousesontheothersideoftheriverseemedbuiltoutofdarkness。Onewouldhavesaidthatsilverandshadowhadfashionedtheworldanew。ThehugedomeofSt。Paul’sloomedlikeabubblethroughtheduskyair。
AsheapproachedCleopatra’sNeedlehesawamanleaningovertheparapet，andashecamenearerthemanlookedup，thegas-lightfallingfulluponhisface。
ItwasMr。Podgers，thecheiromantist！Noonecouldmistakethefat，flabbyface，thegold-rimmedspectacles，thesicklyfeeblesmile，thesensualmouth。
LordArthurstopped。Abrilliantideaflashedacrosshim，andhestolesoftlyupbehind。InamomenthehadseizedMr。Podgersbythelegs，andflunghimintotheThames。Therewasacoarseoath，aheavysplash，andallwasstill。LordArthurlookedanxiouslyover，butcouldseenothingofthecheiromantistbutatallhat，pirouettinginaneddyofmoonlitwater。Afteratimeitalsosank，andnotraceofMr。Podgerswasvisible。Oncehethoughtthathecaughtsightofthebulkymisshapenfigurestrikingoutforthestaircasebythebridge，andahorriblefeelingoffailurecameoverhim，butitturnedouttobemerelyareflection，andwhenthemoonshoneoutfrombehindaclouditpassedaway。Atlastheseemedtohaverealisedthedecreeofdestiny。Heheavedadeepsighofrelief，andSybil’snamecametohislips。
’Haveyoudroppedanything，sir？’saidavoicebehindhimsuddenly。
Heturnedround，andsawapolicemanwithabull’s-eyelantern。
’Nothingofimportance，sergeant，’heanswered，smiling，andhailingapassinghansom，hejumpedin，andtoldthemantodrivetoBelgraveSquare。
Forthenextfewdayshealternatedbetweenhopeandfear。ThereweremomentswhenhealmostexpectedMr。Podgerstowalkintotheroom，andyetatothertimeshefeltthatFatecouldnotbesounjusttohim。Twicehewenttothecheiromantist’saddressinWestMoonStreet，buthecouldnotbringhimselftoringthebell。
Helongedforcertainty，andwasafraidofit。
Finallyitcame。Hewassittinginthesmoking-roomoftheclubhavingtea，andlisteningratherwearilytoSurbiton’saccountofthelastcomicsongattheGaiety，whenthewaitercameinwiththeeveningpapers。HetookuptheST。JAMES’S，andwaslistlesslyturningoveritspages，whenthisstrangeheadingcaughthiseye：
SUICIDEOFACHEIROMANTIST。
Heturnedpalewithexcitement，andbegantoread。Theparagraphranasfollows：
Yesterdaymorning，atseveno’clock，thebodyofMr。SeptimusR。
Podgers，theeminentcheiromantist，waswashedonshoreatGreenwich，justinfrontoftheShipHotel。Theunfortunategentlemanhadbeenmissingforsomedays，andconsiderableanxietyforhissafetyhadbeenfeltincheiromanticcircles。Itissupposedthathecommittedsuicideundertheinfluenceofatemporarymentalderangement，causedbyoverwork，andaverdicttothateffectwasreturnedthisafternoonbythecoroner’sjury。Mr。
PodgershadjustcompletedanelaboratetreatiseonthesubjectoftheHumanHand，thatwillshortlybepublished，whenitwillnodoubtattractmuchattention。Thedeceasedwassixty-fiveyearsofage，anddoesnotseemtohaveleftanyrelations。
LordArthurrushedoutoftheclubwiththepaperstillinhishand，totheimmenseamazementofthehall-porter，whotriedinvaintostophim，anddroveatoncetoParkLane。Sybilsawhimfromthewindow，andsomethingtoldherthathewasthebearerofgoodnews。Sherandowntomeethim，and，whenshesawhisface，sheknewthatallwaswell。
’MydearSybil，’criedLordArthur，’letusbemarriedto-morrow！’
’Youfoolishboy！Why，thecakeisnotevenordered！’saidSybil，laughingthroughhertears。
CHAPTERVI
WHENtheweddingtookplace，somethreeweekslater，St。Peter’swascrowdedwithaperfectmobofsmartpeople。TheservicewasreadinthemostimpressivemannerbytheDeanofChichester，andeverybodyagreedthattheyhadneverseenahandsomercouplethanthebrideandbridegroom。Theyweremorethanhandsome，however-
theywerehappy。NeverforasinglemomentdidLordArthurregretallthathehadsufferedforSybil’ssake，whileshe，onherside，gavehimthebestthingsawomancangivetoanyman-worship，tenderness，andlove。Forthemromancewasnotkilledbyreality。
Theyalwaysfeltyoung。
Someyearsafterwards，whentwobeautifulchildrenhadbeenborntothem，LadyWindermerecamedownonavisittoAltonPriory，alovelyoldplace，thathadbeentheDuke’sweddingpresenttohisson;andoneafternoonasshewassittingwithLadyArthurunderalime-treeinthegarden，watchingthelittleboyandgirlastheyplayedupanddowntherose-walk，likefitfulsunbeams，shesuddenlytookherhostess’shandinhers，andsaid，’Areyouhappy，Sybil？’
’DearLadyWindermere，ofcourseIamhappy。Aren’tyou？’
’Ihavenotimetobehappy，Sybil。Ialwayslikethelastpersonwhoisintroducedtome;but，asarule，assoonasIknowpeopleI
gettiredofthem。’
’Don’tyourlionssatisfyyou，LadyWindermere？’
’Ohdear，no！lionsareonlygoodforoneseason。Assoonastheirmanesarecut，theyarethedullestcreaturesgoing。Besides，theybehaveverybadly，ifyouarereallynicetothem。DoyourememberthathorridMr。Podgers？Hewasadreadfulimpostor。Ofcourse，I
didn’tmindthatatall，andevenwhenhewantedtoborrowmoneyI
forgavehim，butIcouldnotstandhismakinglovetome。Hehasreallymademehatecheiromancy。Igoinfortelepathynow。Itismuchmoreamusing。’
’Youmustn’tsayanythingagainstcheiromancyhere，LadyWindermere;itistheonlysubjectthatArthurdoesnotlikepeopletochaffabout。Iassureyouheisquiteseriousoverit。’
’Youdon’tmeantosaythathebelievesinit，Sybil？’
’Askhim，LadyWindermere，hereheis’;andLordArthurcameupthegardenwithalargebunchofyellowrosesinhishand，andhistwochildrendancingroundhim。
’LordArthur？’
’Yes，LadyWindermere。’
’Youdon’tmeantosaythatyoubelieveincheiromancy？’
’OfcourseIdo，’saidtheyoungman，smiling。
’Butwhy？’
’BecauseIowetoitallthehappinessofmylife，’hemurmured，throwinghimselfintoawickerchair。
’MydearLordArthur，whatdoyouowetoit？’
’Sybil，’heanswered，handinghiswifetheroses，andlookingintohervioleteyes。
’Whatnonsense！’criedLadyWindermere。’Ineverheardsuchnonsenseinallmylife。’
THECANTERVILLEGHOST
CHAPTERI
WHENMr。HiramB。Otis，theAmericanMinister，boughtCantervilleChase，everyonetoldhimhewasdoingaveryfoolishthing，astherewasnodoubtatallthattheplacewashaunted。Indeed，LordCantervillehimself，whowasamanofthemostpunctilioushonour，hadfeltithisdutytomentionthefacttoMr。Otiswhentheycametodiscussterms。
’Wehavenotcaredtoliveintheplaceourselves，’saidLordCanterville，’sincemygrandaunt，theDowagerDuchessofBolton，wasfrightenedintoafit，fromwhichsheneverreallyrecovered，bytwoskeletonhandsbeingplacedonhershouldersasshewasdressingfordinner，andIfeelboundtotellyou，Mr。Otis，thattheghosthasbeenseenbyseverallivingmembersofmyfamily，aswellasbytherectoroftheparish，theRev。AugustusDampier，whoisaFellowofKing’sCollege，Cambridge。AftertheunfortunateaccidenttotheDuchess，noneofouryoungerservantswouldstaywithus，andLadyCantervilleoftengotverylittlesleepatnight，inconsequenceofthemysteriousnoisesthatcamefromthecorridorandthelibrary。’
’MyLord，’answeredtheMinister，’Iwilltakethefurnitureandtheghostatavaluation。Icomefromamoderncountry，wherewehaveeverythingthatmoneycanbuy;andwithallourspryyoungfellowspaintingtheOldWorldred，andcarryingoffyourbestactressesandprima-donnas，IreckonthatifthereweresuchathingasaghostinEurope，we’dhaveitathomeinaveryshorttimeinoneofourpublicmuseums，orontheroadasashow。’
’Ifearthattheghostexists，’saidLordCanterville，smiling，’thoughitmayhaveresistedtheoverturesofyourenterprisingimpresarios。Ithasbeenwellknownforthreecenturies，since1584infact，andalwaysmakesitsappearancebeforethedeathofanymemberofourfamily。’
’Well，sodoesthefamilydoctorforthatmatter，LordCanterville。
Butthereisnosuchthing，sir，asaghost，andIguessthelawsofNaturearenotgoingtobesuspendedfortheBritisharistocracy。’
’YouarecertainlyverynaturalinAmerica，’answeredLordCanterville，whodidnotquiteunderstandMr。Otis’slastobservation，’andifyoudon’tmindaghostinthehouse，itisallright。OnlyyoumustrememberIwarnedyou。’
Afewweeksafterthis，thepurchasewascompleted，andatthecloseoftheseasontheMinisterandhisfamilywentdowntoCantervilleChase。Mrs。Otis，who，asMissLucretiaR。Tappan，ofWest53rdStreet，hadbeenacelebratedNewYorkbelle，wasnowaveryhandsome，middle-agedwoman，withfineeyes，andasuperbprofile。ManyAmericanladiesonleavingtheirnativelandadoptanappearanceofchronicill-health，undertheimpressionthatitisaformofEuropeanrefinement，butMrs。Otishadneverfallenintothiserror。Shehadamagnificentconstitution，andareallywonderfulamountofanimalspirits。Indeed，inmanyrespects，shewasquiteEnglish，andwasanexcellentexampleofthefactthatwehavereallyeverythingincommonwithAmericanowadays，except，ofcourse，language。Hereldestson，christenedWashingtonbyhisparentsinamomentofpatriotism，whichheneverceasedtoregret，wasafair-haired，rathergood-lookingyoungman，whohadqualifiedhimselfforAmericandiplomacybyleadingtheGermanattheNewportCasinoforthreesuccessiveseasons，andeveninLondonwaswellknownasanexcellentdancer。Gardeniasandthepeeragewerehisonlyweaknesses。Otherwisehewasextremelysensible。MissVirginiaE。Otiswasalittlegirloffifteen，litheandlovelyasafawn，andwithafinefreedominherlargeblueeyes。Shewasawonderfulamazon，andhadonceracedoldLordBiltononherponytwiceroundthepark，winningbyalengthandahalf，justinfrontoftheAchillesstatue，tothehugedelightoftheyoungDukeofCheshire，whoproposedforheronthespot，andwassentbacktoEtonthatverynightbyhisguardians，infloodsoftears。AfterVirginiacamethetwins，whowereusuallycalled’TheStarsandStripes，’astheywerealwaysgettingswished。Theyweredelightfulboys，andwiththeexceptionoftheworthyMinistertheonlytruerepublicansofthefamily。
AsCantervilleChaseissevenmilesfromAscot，thenearestrailwaystation，Mr。Otishadtelegraphedforawaggonettetomeetthem，andtheystartedontheirdriveinhighspirits。ItwasalovelyJulyevening，andtheairwasdelicatewiththescentofthepine-
woods。Nowandthentheyheardawoodpigeonbroodingoveritsownsweetvoice，orsaw，deepintherustlingfern，theburnishedbreastofthepheasant。Littlesquirrelspeeredatthemfromthebeech-treesastheywentby，andtherabbitsscuddedawaythroughthebrushwoodandoverthemossyknolls，withtheirwhitetailsintheair。AstheyenteredtheavenueofCantervilleChase，however，theskybecamesuddenlyovercastwithclouds，acuriousstillnessseemedtoholdtheatmosphere，agreatflightofrookspassedsilentlyovertheirheads，and，beforetheyreachedthehouse，somebigdropsofrainhadfallen。
Standingonthestepstoreceivethemwasanoldwoman，neatlydressedinblacksilk，withawhitecapandapron。ThiswasMrs。
Umney，thehousekeeper，whomMrs。Otis，atLadyCanterville’searnestrequest，hadconsentedtokeeponinherformerposition。
Shemadethemeachalowcurtseyastheyalighted，andsaidinaquaint，old-fashionedmanner，’IbidyouwelcometoCantervilleChase。’Followingher，theypassedthroughthefineTudorhallintothelibrary，along，lowroom，panelledinblackoak，attheendofwhichwasalargestained-glasswindow。Heretheyfoundtealaidoutforthem，and，aftertakingofftheirwraps，theysatdownandbegantolookround，whileMrs。Umneywaitedonthem。
SuddenlyMrs。Otiscaughtsightofadullredstainonthefloorjustbythefireplaceand，quiteunconsciousofwhatitreallysignified，saidtoMrs。Umney，’Iamafraidsomethinghasbeenspiltthere。’
’Yes，madam，’repliedtheoldhousekeeperinalowvoice，’bloodhasbeenspiltonthatspot。’
’Howhorrid，’criedMrs。Otis;’Idon’tatallcareforblood-
stainsinasitting-room。Itmustberemovedatonce。’
Theoldwomansmiled，andansweredinthesamelow，mysteriousvoice，’ItisthebloodofLadyEleanoredeCanterville，whowasmurderedonthatveryspotbyherownhusband，SirSimondeCanterville，in1575。SirSimonsurvivedhernineyears，anddisappearedsuddenlyunderverymysteriouscircumstances。Hisbodyhasneverbeendiscovered，buthisguiltyspiritstillhauntstheChase。Theblood-stainhasbeenmuchadmiredbytouristsandothers，andcannotberemoved。’
’Thatisallnonsense，’criedWashingtonOtis;’Pinkerton’sChampionStainRemoverandParagonDetergentwillcleanitupinnotime，’andbeforetheterrifiedhousekeepercouldinterferehehadfallenuponhisknees，andwasrapidlyscouringthefloorwithasmallstickofwhatlookedlikeablackcosmetic。Inafewmomentsnotraceoftheblood-staincouldbeseen。
’IknewPinkertonwoulddoit，’heexclaimedtriumphantly，ashelookedroundathisadmiringfamily;butnosoonerhadhesaidthesewordsthanaterribleflashoflightninglitupthesombreroom，afearfulpealofthundermadethemallstarttotheirfeet，andMrs。Umneyfainted。
’Whatamonstrousclimate！’saidtheAmericanMinistercalmly，ashelitalongcheroot。’Iguesstheoldcountryissooverpopulatedthattheyhavenotenoughdecentweatherforeverybody。IhavealwaysbeenofopinionthatemigrationistheonlythingforEngland。’
’MydearHiram，’criedMrs。Otis，’whatcanwedowithawomanwhofaints？’
’Chargeittoherlikebreakages，’answeredtheMinister;’shewon’tfaintafterthat’;andinafewmomentsMrs。Umneycertainlycameto。Therewasnodoubt，however，thatshewasextremelyupset，andshesternlywarnedMr。Otistobewareofsometroublecomingtothehouse。
’Ihaveseenthingswithmyowneyes，sir，’shesaid，’thatwouldmakeanyChristian’shairstandonend，andmanyandmanyanightI
havenotclosedmyeyesinsleepfortheawfulthingsthataredonehere。’Mr。Otis，however，andhiswifewarmlyassuredthehonestsoulthattheywerenotafraidofghosts，and，afterinvokingtheblessingsofProvidenceonhernewmasterandmistress，andmakingarrangementsforanincreaseofsalary，theoldhousekeepertotteredofftoherownroom。
CHAPTERII
THEstormragedfiercelyallthatnight，butnothingofparticularnoteoccurred。Thenextmorning，however，whentheycamedowntobreakfast，theyfoundtheterriblestainofbloodonceagainonthefloor。’Idon’tthinkitcanbethefaultoftheParagonDetergent，’saidWashington，’forIhavetrieditwitheverything。
Itmustbetheghost。’Heaccordinglyrubbedoutthestainasecondtime，butthesecondmorningitappearedagain。Thethirdmorningalsoitwasthere，thoughthelibraryhadbeenlockedupatnightbyMr。Otishimself，andthekeycarriedupstairs。Thewholefamilywerenowquiteinterested;Mr。Otisbegantosuspectthathehadbeentoodogmaticinhisdenialoftheexistenceofghosts，Mrs。OtisexpressedherintentionofjoiningthePsychicalSociety，andWashingtonpreparedalonglettertoMessrs。MyersandPodmoreonthesubjectofthePermanenceofSanguineousStainswhenconnectedwithCrime。Thatnightalldoubtsabouttheobjectiveexistenceofphantasmatawereremovedforever。
Thedayhadbeenwarmandsunny;and，inthecooloftheevening，thewholefamilywentoutforadrive。Theydidnotreturnhometillnineo’clock，whentheyhadalightsupper。Theconversationinnowayturneduponghosts，sotherewerenoteventhoseprimaryconditionsofreceptiveexpectationwhichsooftenprecedethepresentationofpsychicalphenomena。Thesubjectsdiscussed，asI
havesincelearnedfromMr。Otis，weremerelysuchasformtheordinaryconversationofculturedAmericansofthebetterclass，suchastheimmensesuperiorityofMissFannyDavenportoverSarahBernhardtasanactress;thedifficultyofobtaininggreencorn，buckwheatcakes，andhominy，eveninthebestEnglishhouses;theimportanceofBostoninthedevelopmentoftheworld-soul;theadvantagesofthebaggagechecksysteminrailwaytravelling;andthesweetnessoftheNewYorkaccentascomparedtotheLondondrawl。Nomentionatallwasmadeofthesupernatural，norwasSirSimondeCantervillealludedtoinanyway。Ateleveno’clockthefamilyretired，andbyhalf-pastallthelightswereout。Sometimeafter，Mr。Otiswasawakenedbyacuriousnoiseinthecorridor，outsidehisroom。Itsoundedliketheclankofmetal，andseemedtobecomingnearereverymoment。Hegotupatonce，struckamatch，andlookedatthetime。Itwasexactlyoneo’clock。Hewasquitecalm，andfelthispulse，whichwasnotatallfeverish。Thestrangenoisestillcontinued，andwithithehearddistinctlythesoundoffootsteps。Heputonhisslippers，tookasmalloblongphialoutofhisdressing-case，andopenedthedoor。Rightinfrontofhimhesaw，inthewanmoonlight，anoldmanofterribleaspect。Hiseyeswereasredburningcoals;longgreyhairfelloverhisshouldersinmattedcoils;hisgarments，whichwereofantiquecut，weresoiledandragged，andfromhiswristsandankleshungheavymanaclesandrustygyves。
’Mydearsir，’saidMr。Otis，’Ireallymustinsistonyouroilingthosechains，andhavebroughtyouforthatpurposeasmallbottleoftheTammanyRisingSunLubricator。Itissaidtobecompletelyefficaciousupononeapplication，andthereareseveraltestimonialstothateffectonthewrapperfromsomeofourmosteminentnativedivines。Ishallleaveithereforyoubythebedroomcandles，andwillbehappytosupplyyouwithmoreshouldyourequireit。’WiththesewordstheUnitedStatesMinisterlaidthebottledownonamarbletable，and，closinghisdoor，retiredtorest。
ForamomenttheCantervilleghoststoodquitemotionlessinnaturalindignation;then，dashingthebottleviolentlyuponthepolishedfloor，hefleddownthecorridor，utteringhollowgroans，andemittingaghastlygreenlight。Just，however，ashereachedthetopofthegreatoakstaircase，adoorwasflungopen，twolittlewhite-robedfiguresappeared，andalargepillowwhizzedpasthishead！Therewasevidentlynotimetobelost，so，hastilyadoptingtheFourthDimensionofSpaceasameansofescape，hevanishedthroughthewainscoting，andthehousebecamequitequiet。
Onreachingasmallsecretchamberintheleftwing，heleanedupagainstamoonbeamtorecoverhisbreath，andbegantotryandrealisehisposition。Never，inabrilliantanduninterruptedcareerofthreehundredyears，hadhebeensogrosslyinsulted。HethoughtoftheDowagerDuchess，whomhehadfrightenedintoafitasshestoodbeforetheglassinherlaceanddiamonds;ofthefourhousemaids，whohadgoneoffintohystericswhenhemerelygrinnedatthemthroughthecurtainsofoneofthesparebedrooms;oftherectoroftheparish，whosecandlehehadblownoutashewascominglateonenightfromthelibrary，andwhohadbeenunderthecareofSirWilliamGulleversince，aperfectmartyrtonervousdisorders;andofoldMadamedeTremouillac，who，havingwakeneduponemorningearlyandseenaskeletonseatedinanarm-chairbythefirereadingherdiary，hadbeenconfinedtoherbedforsixweekswithanattackofbrainfever，and，onherrecovery，hadbecomereconciledtotheChurch，andbrokenoffherconnectionwiththatnotoriousscepticMonsieurdeVoltaire。HerememberedtheterriblenightwhenthewickedLordCantervillewasfoundchokinginhisdressing-room，withtheknaveofdiamondshalf-waydownhisthroat，andconfessed，justbeforehedied，thathehadcheatedCharlesJamesFoxoutof50，000poundsatCrockford’sbymeansofthatverycard，andsworethattheghosthadmadehimswallowit。Allhisgreatachievementscamebacktohimagain，fromthebutlerwhohadshothimselfinthepantrybecausehehadseenagreenhandtappingatthewindowpane，tothebeautifulLadyStutfield，whowasalwaysobligedtowearablackvelvetbandroundherthroattohidethemarkoffivefingersburntuponherwhiteskin，andwhodrownedherselfatlastinthecarp-pondattheendoftheKing’sWalk。
Withtheenthusiasticegotismofthetrueartisthewentoverhismostcelebratedperformances，andsmiledbitterlytohimselfasherecalledtomindhislastappearanceas’RedRuben，ortheStrangledBabe，’hisDEBUTas’GauntGibeon，theBlood-suckerofBexleyMoor，’andtheFUROREhehadexcitedonelovelyJuneeveningbymerelyplayingninepinswithhisownbonesuponthelawn-tennisground。Andafterallthis，somewretchedmodernAmericansweretocomeandofferhimtheRisingSunLubricator，andthrowpillowsathishead！Itwasquiteunbearable。Besides，noghostsinhistoryhadeverbeentreatedinthismanner。Accordingly，hedeterminedtohavevengeance，andremainedtilldaylightinanattitudeofdeepthought。
CHAPTERIII
THEnextmorningwhentheOtisfamilymetatbreakfast，theydiscussedtheghostatsomelength。TheUnitedStatesMinisterwasnaturallyalittleannoyedtofindthathispresenthadnotbeenaccepted。’Ihavenowish，’hesaid，’todotheghostanypersonalinjury，andImustsaythat，consideringthelengthoftimehehasbeeninthehouse，Idon’tthinkitisatallpolitetothrowpillowsathim’-averyjustremark，atwhich，Iamsorrytosay，thetwinsburstintoshoutsoflaughter。’Upontheotherhand，’hecontinued，’ifhereallydeclinestousetheRisingSunLubricator，weshallhavetotakehischainsfromhim。Itwouldbequiteimpossibletosleep，withsuchanoisegoingonoutsidethebedrooms。’
Fortherestoftheweek，however，theywereundisturbed，theonlythingthatexcitedanyattentionbeingthecontinualrenewaloftheblood-stainonthelibraryfloor。Thiscertainlywasverystrange，asthedoorwasalwayslockedatnightbyMr。Otis，andthewindowskeptcloselybarred。Thechameleon-likecolour，also，ofthestainexcitedagooddealofcomment。Somemorningsitwasadull（almostIndian）red，thenitwouldbevermilion，thenarichpurple，andoncewhentheycamedownforfamilyprayers，accordingtothesimpleritesoftheFreeAmericanReformedEpiscopalianChurch，theyfounditabrightemerald-green。Thesekaleidoscopicchangesnaturallyamusedthepartyverymuch，andbetsonthesubjectwerefreelymadeeveryevening。TheonlypersonwhodidnotenterintothejokewaslittleVirginia，who，forsomeunexplainedreason，wasalwaysagooddealdistressedatthesightoftheblood-stain，andverynearlycriedthemorningitwasemerald-green。
ThesecondappearanceoftheghostwasonSundaynight。Shortlyaftertheyhadgonetobedtheyweresuddenlyalarmedbyafearfulcrashinthehall。Rushingdownstairs，theyfoundthatalargesuitofoldarmourhadbecomedetachedfromitsstand，andhadfallenonthestonefloor，while，seatedinahigh-backedchair，wastheCantervilleghost，rubbinghiskneeswithanexpressionofacuteagonyonhisface。Thetwins，havingbroughttheirpea-
shooterswiththem，atoncedischargedtwopelletsonhim，withthataccuracyofaimwhichcanonlybeattainedbylongandcarefulpracticeonawriting-master，whiletheUnitedStatesMinistercoveredhimwithhisrevolver，andcalleduponhim，inaccordancewithCalifornianetiquette，toholduphishands！Theghoststartedupwithawildshriekofrage，andsweptthroughthemlikeamist，extinguishingWashingtonOtis’scandleashepassed，andsoleavingthemallintotaldarkness。Onreachingthetopofthestaircaseherecoveredhimself，anddeterminedtogivehiscelebratedpealofdemoniaclaughter。Thishehadonmorethanoneoccasionfoundextremelyuseful。ItwassaidtohaveturnedLordRaker’swiggreyinasinglenight，andhadcertainlymadethreeofLadyCanterville’sFrenchgovernessesgivewarningbeforetheirmonthwasup。Heaccordinglylaughedhismosthorriblelaugh，tilltheoldvaultedroofrangandrangagain，buthardlyhadthefearfulechodiedawaywhenadooropened，andMrs。Otiscameoutinalightbluedressing-gown。’Iamafraidyouarefarfromwell，’shesaid，’andhavebroughtyouabottleofDr。Dobell’stincture。Ifitisindigestion，youwillfinditamostexcellentremedy。’Theghostglaredatherinfury，andbeganatoncetomakepreparationsforturninghimselfintoalargeblackdog，anaccomplishmentforwhichhewasjustlyrenowned，andtowhichthefamilydoctoralwaysattributedthepermanentidiocyofLordCanterville’suncle，theHon。ThomasHorton。Thesoundofapproachingfootsteps，however，madehimhesitateinhisfellpurpose，sohecontentedhimselfwithbecomingfaintlyphosphorescent，andvanishedwithadeepchurchyardgroan，justasthetwinshadcomeuptohim。
Onreachinghisroomheentirelybrokedown，andbecameapreytothemostviolentagitation。Thevulgarityofthetwins，andthegrossmaterialismofMrs。Otis，werenaturallyextremelyannoying，butwhatreallydistressedhimmostwas，thathehadbeenunabletowearthesuitofmail。HehadhopedthatevenmodernAmericanswouldbethrilledbythesightofaSpectreInArmour，iffornomoresensiblereason，atleastoutofrespectfortheirnationalpoetLongfellow，overwhosegracefulandattractivepoetryhehimselfhadwhiledawaymanyawearyhourwhentheCantervilleswereupintown。Besides，itwashisownsuit。HehadwornitwithgreatsuccessattheKenilworthtournament，andhadbeenhighlycomplimentedonitbynolessapersonthantheVirginQueenherself。Yetwhenhehadputiton，hehadbeencompletelyoverpoweredbytheweightofthehugebreastplateandsteelcasque，andhadfallenheavilyonthestonepavement，barkingbothhiskneesseverely，andbruisingtheknucklesofhisrighthand。
Forsomedaysafterthishewasextremelyill，andhardlystirredoutofhisroomatall，excepttokeeptheblood-staininproperrepair。However，bytakinggreatcareofhimself，herecovered，andresolvedtomakeathirdattempttofrightentheUnitedStatesMinisterandhisfamily。HeselectedFriday，the17thofAugust，forhisappearance，andspentmostofthatdayinlookingoverhiswardrobe，ultimatelydecidinginfavourofalargeslouchedhatwitharedfeather，awinding-sheetfrilledatthewristsandneck，andarustydagger。Towardseveningaviolentstormofraincameon，andthewindwassohighthatallthewindowsanddoorsintheoldhouseshookandrattled。Infact，itwasjustsuchweatherasheloved。Hisplanofactionwasthis。HewastomakehiswayquietlytoWashingtonOtis’sroom，gibberathimfromthefootofthebed，andstabhimselfthreetimesinthethroattothesoundofslowmusic。HeboreWashingtonaspecialgrudge，beingquiteawarethatitwashewhowasinthehabitofremovingthefamousCantervilleblood-stain，bymeansofPinkerton’sParagonDetergent。
Havingreducedtherecklessandfoolhardyyouthtoaconditionofabjectterror，hewasthentoproceedtotheroomoccupiedbytheUnitedStatesMinisterandhiswife，andtheretoplaceaclammyhandonMrs。Otis’sforehead，whilehehissedintohertremblinghusband’seartheawfulsecretsofthecharnel-house。WithregardtolittleVirginia，hehadnotquitemadeuphismind。Shehadneverinsultedhiminanyway，andwasprettyandgentle。Afewhollowgroansfromthewardrobe，hethought，wouldbemorethansufficient，or，ifthatfailedtowakeher，hemightgrabbleatthecounterpanewithpalsy-twitchingfingers。Asforthetwins，hewasquitedeterminedtoteachthemalesson。Thefirstthingtobedonewas，ofcourse，tositupontheirchests，soastoproducethestiflingsensationofnightmare。Then，astheirbedswerequiteclosetoeachother，tostandbetweenthemintheformofagreen，icy-coldcorpse，tilltheybecameparalysedwithfear，andfinally，tothrowoffthewinding-sheet，andcrawlroundtheroom，withwhitebleachedbonesandonerollingeye-ball，inthecharacterof’DumbDaniel，ortheSuicide’sSkeleton，’aROLEinwhichhehadonmorethanoneoccasionproducedagreateffect，andwhichheconsideredquiteequaltohisfamouspartof’MartintheManiac，ortheMaskedMystery。’
Athalf-pasttenheheardthefamilygoingtobed。Forsometimehewasdisturbedbywildshrieksoflaughterfromthetwins，who，withthelight-heartedgaietyofschoolboys，wereevidentlyamusingthemselvesbeforetheyretiredtorest，butataquarterpastelevenallwasstill，and，asmidnightsounded，hesalliedforth。
Theowlbeatagainstthewindowpanes，theravencroakedfromtheoldyew-tree，andthewindwanderedmoaningroundthehouselikealostsoul;buttheOtisfamilysleptunconsciousoftheirdoom，andhighabovetherainandstormhecouldhearthesteadysnoringoftheMinisterfortheUnitedStates。Hesteppedstealthilyoutofthewainscoting，withanevilsmileonhiscruel，wrinkledmouth，andthemoonhidherfaceinacloudashestolepastthegreatorielwindow，wherehisownarmsandthoseofhismurderedwifewereblazonedinazureandgold。Onandonheglided，likeanevilshadow，theverydarknessseemingtoloathehimashepassed。Oncehethoughtheheardsomethingcall，andstopped;butitwasonlythebayingofadogfromtheRedFarm，andhewenton，mutteringstrangesixteenth-centurycurses，andeverandanonbrandishingtherustydaggerinthemidnightair。FinallyhereachedthecornerofthepassagethatledtolucklessWashington’sroom。Foramomenthepausedthere，thewindblowinghislonggreylocksabouthishead，andtwistingintogrotesqueandfantasticfoldsthenamelesshorrorofthedeadman’sshroud。Thentheclockstruckthequarter，andhefeltthetimewascome。Hechuckledtohimself，andturnedthecorner;butnosoonerhadhedoneso，than，withapiteouswailofterror，hefellback，andhidhisblanchedfaceinhislong，bonyhands。Rightinfrontofhimwasstandingahorriblespectre，motionlessasacarvenimage，andmonstrousasamadman’sdream！Itsheadwasbaldandburnished;itsfaceround，andfat，andwhite;andhideouslaughterseemedtohavewritheditsfeaturesintoaneternalgrin。Fromtheeyesstreamedraysofscarletlight，themouthwasawidewelloffire，andahideousgarment，liketohisown，swathedwithitssilentsnowstheTitanform。Onitsbreastwasaplacardwithstrangewritinginantiquecharacters，somescrollofshameitseemed，somerecordofwildsins，someawfulcalendarofcrime，and，withitsrighthand，itborealoftafalchionofgleamingsteel。
Neverhavingseenaghostbefore，henaturallywasterriblyfrightened，and，afterasecondhastyglanceattheawfulphantom，hefledbacktohisroom，trippingupinhislongwinding-sheetashespeddownthecorridor，andfinallydroppingtherustydaggerintotheMinister’sjack-boots，whereitwasfoundinthemorningbythebutler。Onceintheprivacyofhisownapartment，heflunghimselfdownonasmallpallet-bed，andhidhisfaceundertheclothes。Afteratime，however，thebraveoldCantervillespiritasserteditself，andhedeterminedtogoandspeaktotheotherghostassoonasitwasdaylight。Accordingly，justasthedawnwastouchingthehillswithsilver，hereturnedtowardsthespotwherehehadfirstlaideyesonthegrislyphantom，feelingthat，afterall，twoghostswerebetterthanone，andthat，bytheaidofhisnewfriend，hemightsafelygrapplewiththetwins。Onreachingthespot，however，aterriblesightmethisgaze。
Somethinghadevidentlyhappenedtothespectre，forthelighthadentirelyfadedfromitsholloweyes，thegleamingfalchionhadfallenfromitshand，anditwasleaningupagainstthewallinastrainedanduncomfortableattitude。Herushedforwardandseizeditinhisarms，when，tohishorror，theheadslippedoffandrolledonthefloor，thebodyassumedarecumbentposture，andhefoundhimselfclaspingawhitedimitybed-curtain，withasweeping-
brush，akitchencleaver，andahollowturniplyingathisfeet！
Unabletounderstandthiscurioustransformation，heclutchedtheplacardwithfeverishhaste，andthere，inthegreymorninglight，hereadthesefearfulwords：-
YEOLDEGHOSTE
YeOnlieTrueandOriginaleSpook。
BewareofYeImitationes。
AllothersareCounterfeite。
Thewholethingflashedacrosshim。Hehadbeentricked，foiled，andoutwitted！TheoldCantervillelookcameintohiseyes;hegroundhistoothlessgumstogether;and，raisinghiswitheredhandshighabovehishead，swore，accordingtothepicturesquephraseologyoftheantiqueschool，thatwhenChanticleerhadsoundedtwicehismerryhorn，deedsofbloodwouldbewrought，andMurderwalkabroadwithsilentfeet。
Hardlyhadhefinishedthisawfuloathwhen，fromthered-tiledroofofadistanthomestead，acockcrew。Helaughedalong，low，bitterlaugh，andwaited。Hourafterhourhewaited，butthecock，forsomestrangereason，didnotcrowagain。Finally，athalf-pastseven，thearrivalofthehousemaidsmadehimgiveuphisfearfulvigil，andhestalkedbacktohisroom，thinkingofhisvainhopeandbaffledpurpose。Thereheconsultedseveralbooksofancientchivalry，ofwhichhewasexceedinglyfond，andfoundthat，oneveryoccasiononwhichhisoathhadbeenused，Chanticleerhadalwayscrowedasecondtime。’Perditionseizethenaughtyfowl，’
hemuttered，’Ihaveseenthedaywhen，withmystoutspear，I
wouldhaverunhimthroughthegorge，andmadehimcrowformean’twereindeath！’Hethenretiredtoacomfortableleadcoffin，andstayedtheretillevening。
CHAPTERIV
THEnextdaytheghostwasveryweakandtired。Theterribleexcitementofthelastfourweekswasbeginningtohaveitseffect。
Hisnerveswerecompletelyshattered，andhestartedattheslightestnoise。Forfivedayshekepthisroom，andatlastmadeuphismindtogiveupthepointoftheblood-stainonthelibraryfloor。IftheOtisfamilydidnotwantit，theyclearlydidnotdeserveit。Theywereevidentlypeopleonalow，materialplaneofexistence，andquiteincapableofappreciatingthesymbolicvalueofsensuousphenomena。Thequestionofphantasmicapparitions，andthedevelopmentofastralbodies，wasofcoursequiteadifferentmatter，andreallynotunderhiscontrol。Itwashissolemndutytoappearinthecorridoronceaweek，andtogibberfromthelargeorielwindowonthefirstandthirdWednesdayineverymonth，andhedidnotseehowhecouldhonourablyescapefromhisobligations。
Itisquitetruethathislifehadbeenveryevil，but，upontheotherhand，hewasmostconscientiousinallthingsconnectedwiththesupernatural。ForthenextthreeSaturdays，accordingly，hetraversedthecorridorasusualbetweenmidnightandthreeo’clock，takingeverypossibleprecautionagainstbeingeitherheardorseen。Heremovedhisboots，trodaslightlyaspossibleontheoldworm-eatenboards，worealargeblackvelvetcloak，andwascarefultousetheRisingSunLubricatorforoilinghischains。Iamboundtoacknowledgethatitwaswithagooddealofdifficultythathebroughthimselftoadoptthislastmodeofprotection。However，onenight，whilethefamilywereatdinner，heslippedintoMr。
Otis’sbedroomandcarriedoffthebottle。Hefeltalittlehumiliatedatfirst，butafterwardswassensibleenoughtoseethattherewasagreatdealtobesaidfortheinvention，and，toacertaindegree，itservedhispurpose。Still，inspiteofeverything，hewasnotleftunmolested。Stringswerecontinuallybeingstretchedacrossthecorridor，overwhichhetrippedinthedark，andononeoccasion，whiledressedforthepartof’BlackIsaac，ortheHuntsmanofHogleyWoods，’hemetwithaseverefall，throughtreadingonabutter-slide，whichthetwinshadconstructedfromtheentranceoftheTapestryChambertothetopoftheoakstaircase。Thislastinsultsoenragedhim，thatheresolvedtomakeonefinalefforttoasserthisdignityandsocialposition，anddeterminedtovisittheinsolentyoungEtoniansthenextnightinhiscelebratedcharacterof’RecklessRupert，ortheHeadlessEarl。’
Hehadnotappearedinthisdisguiseformorethanseventyyears;
infact，notsincehehadsofrightenedprettyLadyBarbaraModishbymeansofit，thatshesuddenlybrokeoffherengagementwiththepresentLordCanterville’sgrandfather，andranawaytoGretnaGreenwithhandsomeJackCastleton，declaringthatnothingintheworldwouldinducehertomarryintoafamilythatallowedsuchahorriblephantomtowalkupanddowntheterraceattwilight。PoorJackwasafterwardsshotinaduelbyLordCantervilleonWandsworthCommon，andLadyBarbaradiedofabrokenheartatTunbridgeWellsbeforetheyearwasout，so，ineveryway，ithadbeenagreatsuccess。Itwas，however，anextremelydifficult’make-up，’ifImayusesuchatheatricalexpressioninconnectionwithoneofthegreatestmysteriesofthesupernatural，or，toemployamorescientificterm，thehigher-naturalworld，andittookhimfullythreehourstomakehispreparations。Atlasteverythingwasready，andhewasverypleasedwithhisappearance。
Thebigleatherriding-bootsthatwentwiththedresswerejustalittletoolargeforhim，andhecouldonlyfindoneofthetwohorse-pistols，but，onthewhole，hewasquitesatisfied，andataquarterpastoneheglidedoutofthewainscotingandcreptdownthecorridor。Onreachingtheroomoccupiedbythetwins，whichI
shouldmentionwascalledtheBlueBedChamber，onaccountofthecolourofitshangings，hefoundthedoorjustajar。Wishingtomakeaneffectiveentrance，heflungitwideopen，whenaheavyjugofwaterfellrightdownonhim，wettinghimtotheskin，andjustmissinghisleftshoulderbyacoupleofinches。Atthesamemomentheheardstifledshrieksoflaughterproceedingfromthefour-postbed。Theshocktohisnervoussystemwassogreatthathefledbacktohisroomashardashecouldgo，andthenextdayhewaslaidupwithaseverecold。Theonlythingthatatallconsoledhiminthewholeaffairwasthefactthathehadnotbroughthisheadwithhim，for，hadhedoneso，theconsequencesmighthavebeenveryserious。
HenowgaveupallhopeofeverfrighteningthisrudeAmericanfamily，andcontentedhimself，asarule，withcreepingaboutthepassagesinlistslippers，withathickredmufflerroundhisthroatforfearofdraughts，andasmallarquebuse，incaseheshouldbeattackedbythetwins。Thefinalblowhereceivedoccurredonthe19thofSeptember。Hehadgonedownstairstothegreatentrance-hall，feelingsurethatthere，atanyrate，hewouldbequiteunmolested，andwasamusinghimselfbymakingsatiricalremarksonthelargeSaroniphotographsoftheUnitedStatesMinisterandhiswife，whichhadnowtakentheplaceoftheCantervillefamilypictures。Hewassimplybutneatlycladinalongshroud，spottedwithchurchyardmould，hadtieduphisjawwithastripofyellowlinen，andcarriedasmalllanternandasexton’sspade。Infact，hewasdressedforthecharacterof’JonastheGraveless，ortheCorpse-SnatcherofChertseyBarn，’oneofhismostremarkableimpersonations，andonewhichtheCantervilleshadeveryreasontoremember，asitwastherealoriginoftheirquarrelwiththeirneighbour，LordRufford。Itwasaboutaquarterpasttwoo’clockinthemorning，and，asfarashecouldascertain，noonewasstirring。Ashewasstrollingtowardsthelibrary，however，toseeiftherewereanytracesleftoftheblood-stain，suddenlythereleapedoutonhimfromadarkcornertwofigures，whowavedtheirarmswildlyabovetheirheads，andshriekedout’BOO！’inhisear。
Seizedwithapanic，which，underthecircumstances，wasonlynatural，herushedforthestaircase，butfoundWashingtonOtiswaitingforhimtherewiththebiggarden-syringe;andbeingthushemmedinbyhisenemiesoneveryside，anddrivenalmosttobay，hevanishedintothegreatironstove，which，fortunatelyforhim，wasnotlit，andhadtomakehiswayhomethroughthefluesandchimneys，arrivingathisownroominaterriblestateofdirt，disorder，anddespair。
Afterthishewasnotseenagainonanynocturnalexpedition。Thetwinslayinwaitforhimonseveraloccasions，andstrewedthepassageswithnutshellseverynighttothegreatannoyanceoftheirparentsandtheservants，butitwasofnoavail。Itwasquiteevidentthathisfeelingsweresowoundedthathewouldnotappear。
Mr。OtisconsequentlyresumedhisgreatworkonthehistoryoftheDemocraticParty，onwhichhehadbeenengagedforsomeyears;Mrs。
Otisorganisedawonderfulclam-bake，whichamazedthewholecounty;theboystooktolacrosse，euchre，poker，andotherAmericannationalgames;andVirginiarodeaboutthelanesonherpony，accompaniedbytheyoungDukeofCheshire，whohadcometospendthelastweekofhisholidaysatCantervilleChase。Itwasgenerallyassumedthattheghosthadgoneaway，and，infact，Mr。
OtiswrotealettertothateffecttoLordCanterville，who，inreply，expressedhisgreatpleasureatthenews，andsenthisbestcongratulationstotheMinister’sworthywife。
TheOtises，however，weredeceived，fortheghostwasstillinthehouse，andthoughnowalmostaninvalid，wasbynomeansreadytoletmattersrest，particularlyasheheardthatamongtheguestswastheyoungDukeofCheshire，whosegrand-uncle，LordFrancisStilton，hadoncebetahundredguineaswithColonelCarburythathewouldplaydicewiththeCantervilleghost，andwasfoundthenextmorninglyingonthefloorofthecard-roominsuchahelplessparalyticstate，thatthoughhelivedontoagreatage，hewasneverabletosayanythingagainbut’DoubleSixes。’Thestorywaswellknownatthetime，though，ofcourse，outofrespecttothefeelingsofthetwonoblefamilies，everyattemptwasmadetohushitup;andafullaccountofallthecircumstancesconnectedwithitwillbefoundinthethirdvolumeofLordTattle’sRECOLLECTIONS
OFTHEPRINCEREGENTANDHISFRIENDS。Theghost，then，wasnaturallyveryanxioustoshowthathehadnotlosthisinfluenceovertheStiltons，withwhom，indeed，hewasdistantlyconnected，hisownfirstcousinhavingbeenmarriedENSECONDESNOCEStotheSieurdeBulkeley，fromwhom，aseveryoneknows，theDukesofCheshirearelineallydescended。Accordingly，hemadearrangementsforappearingtoVirginia’slittleloverinhiscelebratedimpersonationof’TheVampireMonk，or，theBloodlessBenedictine，’
aperformancesohorriblethatwhenoldLadyStartupsawit，whichshedidononefatalNewYear’sEve，intheyear1764，shewentoffintothemostpiercingshrieks，whichculminatedinviolentapoplexy，anddiedinthreedays，afterdisinheritingtheCantervilles，whowerehernearestrelations，andleavingallhermoneytoherLondonapothecary。Atthelastmoment，however，histerrorofthetwinspreventedhisleavinghisroom，andthelittleDukesleptinpeaceunderthegreatfeatheredcanopyintheRoyalBedchamber，anddreamedofVirginia。
CHAPTERV
AFEWdaysafterthis，Virginiaandhercurly-hairedcavalierwentoutridingonBrockleymeadows，whereshetoreherhabitsobadlyingettingthroughahedge，that，onherreturnhome，shemadeuphermindtogoupbythebackstaircasesoasnottobeseen。AsshewasrunningpasttheTapestryChamber，thedoorofwhichhappenedtobeopen，shefanciedshesawsomeoneinside，andthinkingitwashermother’smaid，whosometimesusedtobringherworkthere，lookedintoaskhertomendherhabit。Toherimmensesurprise，however，itwastheCantervilleGhosthimself！Hewassittingbythewindow，watchingtheruinedgoldoftheyellowingtreesflythroughtheair，andtheredleavesdancingmadlydownthelongavenue。Hisheadwasleaningonhishand，andhiswholeattitudewasoneofextremedepression。Indeed，soforlorn，andsomuchoutofrepairdidhelook，thatlittleVirginia，whosefirstideahadbeentorunawayandlockherselfinherroom，wasfilledwithpity，anddeterminedtotryandcomforthim。Solightwasherfootfall，andsodeephismelancholy，thathewasnotawareofherpresencetillshespoketohim。
’Iamsosorryforyou，’shesaid，’butmybrothersaregoingbacktoEtonto-morrow，andthen，ifyoubehaveyourself，noonewillannoyyou。’
’Itisabsurdaskingmetobehavemyself，’heanswered，lookingroundinastonishmentattheprettylittlegirlwhohadventuredtoaddresshim，’quiteabsurd。Imustrattlemychains，andgroanthroughkeyholes，andwalkaboutatnight，ifthatiswhatyoumean。Itismyonlyreasonforexisting。’
’Itisnoreasonatallforexisting，andyouknowyouhavebeenverywicked。Mrs。Umneytoldus，thefirstdaywearrivedhere，thatyouhadkilledyourwife。’
’Well，Iquiteadmitit，’saidtheGhostpetulantly，’butitwasapurelyfamilymatter，andconcernednooneelse。’
’Itisverywrongtokillanyone，’saidVirginia，whoattimeshadasweetPuritangravity，caughtfromsomeoldNewEnglandancestor。
’Oh，Ihatethecheapseverityofabstractethics！Mywifewasveryplain，neverhadmyruffsproperlystarched，andknewnothingaboutcookery。Why，therewasabuckIhadshotinHogleyWoods，amagnificentpricket，anddoyouknowhowshehaditsentuptotable？However，itisnomatternow，foritisallover，andI
don’tthinkitwasveryniceofherbrotherstostarvemetodeath，thoughIdidkillher。’
’Starveyoutodeath？Oh，Mr。Ghost，ImeanSirSimon，areyouhungry？Ihaveasandwichinmycase。Wouldyoulikeit？’
’No，thankyou，Inevereatanythingnow;butitisverykindofyou，allthesame，andyouaremuchnicerthantherestofyourhorrid，rude，vulgar，dishonestfamily。’
’Stop！’criedVirginia，stampingherfoot，’itisyouwhoarerude，andhorrid，andvulgar，andasfordishonesty，youknowyoustolethepaintsoutofmyboxtotryandfurbishupthatridiculousblood-staininthelibrary。Firstyoutookallmyreds，includingthevermilion，andIcouldn’tdoanymoresunsets，thenyoutooktheemerald-greenandthechrome-yellow，andfinallyIhadnothingleftbutindigoandChinesewhite，andcouldonlydomoonlightscenes，whicharealwaysdepressingtolookat，andnotatalleasytopaint。Inevertoldonyou，thoughIwasverymuchannoyed，anditwasmostridiculous，thewholething;forwhoeverheardofemerald-greenblood？’
’Well，really，’saidtheGhost，rathermeekly，’whatwasItodo？
Itisaverydifficultthingtogetrealbloodnowadays，and，asyourbrotherbeganitallwithhisParagonDetergent，IcertainlysawnoreasonwhyIshouldnothaveyourpaints。Asforcolour，thatisalwaysamatteroftaste：theCantervilleshaveblueblood，forinstance，theverybluestinEngland;butIknowyouAmericansdon’tcareforthingsofthiskind。’
’Youknownothingaboutit，andthebestthingyoucandoistoemigrateandimproveyourmind。Myfatherwillbeonlytoohappytogiveyouafreepassage，andthoughthereisaheavydutyonspiritsofeverykind，therewillbenodifficultyabouttheCustomHouse，astheofficersareallDemocrats。OnceinNewYork，youaresuretobeagreatsuccess。Iknowlotsofpeopletherewhowouldgiveahundredthousanddollarstohaveagrandfather，andmuchmorethanthattohaveafamilyGhost。’
’Idon’tthinkIshouldlikeAmerica。’
’Isupposebecausewehavenoruinsandnocuriosities，’saidVirginiasatirically。
’Noruins！nocuriosities！’answeredtheGhost;’youhaveyournavyandyourmanners。’
’Goodevening;Iwillgoandaskpapatogetthetwinsanextraweek’sholiday。’
’Pleasedon’tgo，MissVirginia，’hecried;’Iamsolonelyandsounhappy，andIreallydon’tknowwhattodo。IwanttogotosleepandIcannot。’
’That’squiteabsurd！Youhavemerelytogotobedandblowoutthecandle。Itisverydifficultsometimestokeepawake，especiallyatchurch，butthereisnodifficultyatallaboutsleeping。Why，evenbabiesknowhowtodothat，andtheyarenotveryclever。’
’Ihavenotsleptforthreehundredyears，’hesaidsadly，andVirginia’sbeautifulblueeyesopenedinwonder;’forthreehundredyearsIhavenotslept，andIamsotired。’
Virginiagrewquitegrave，andherlittlelipstrembledlikerose-
leaves。Shecametowardshim，andkneelingdownathisside，lookedupintohisoldwitheredface。
’Poor，poorGhost，’shemurmured;’haveyounoplacewhereyoucansleep？’
’Farawaybeyondthepine-woods，’heanswered，inalowdreamyvoice，’thereisalittlegarden。Therethegrassgrowslonganddeep，therearethegreatwhitestarsofthehemlockflower，therethenightingalesingsallnightlong。Allnightlonghesings，andthecold，crystalmoonlooksdown，andtheyew-treespreadsoutitsgiantarmsoverthesleepers。’
Virginia’seyesgrewdimwithtears，andshehidherfaceinherhands。
’YoumeantheGardenofDeath，’shewhispered。
’Yes，Death。Deathmustbesobeautiful。Tolieinthesoftbrownearth，withthegrasseswavingaboveone’shead，andlistentosilence。Tohavenoyesterday，andnoto-morrow。Toforgettime，toforgivelife，tobeatpeace。Youcanhelpme。YoucanopenformetheportalsofDeath’shouse，forLoveisalwayswithyou，andLoveisstrongerthanDeathis。’
Virginiatrembled，acoldshudderranthroughher，andforafewmomentstherewassilence。Shefeltasifshewasinaterribledream。
ThentheGhostspokeagain，andhisvoicesoundedlikethesighingofthewind。