good and substantial supper. Davy offered to replace what was left in
the basket but papa jokingly told him to leave it for the ghost. We
now sat for nearly an hour and a half, and except some occasional out
burst of merriment, as Davy told us some droll things, about the
ghost, which were current in the village, we were as still as we well
could be.

At last I got very sleepy, as well I might, for it was nearly twelve
o'clock. Papa made me lie down and said he thought he would do so
himself; not thinking he said, it was necessary to shew so much
courtesy to the ghost, as wait for it. We did not undress. Davy fixed
himself before the, fire and soon gave proof, that he was asleep, by
snoring most loudly.

Mind my dear Charles, in giving you this account, that papa told me
about it afterwards; for I had fallen asleep too.

Till five minutes to twelve all was quiet as the grave, and then
commenced the slamming of the doors and knockings, and thumpings, as
if done with the instrument the paviours use to beat down the stones
they pave with. This continued some minutes, and then the door
gradually opened, and a female, tall and thin, entered, dressed in an
old fashioned yellow brocade, with a sweeping train. Over her head was
thrown an immense gauze veil; her features were sharp and she was very
pale. She paused as she entered, and advancing half way from the door
to the bed she again made a full stop, upon which papa rose up and sat
on the bed, when she threw out her arms, exclaiming:

"Impious and daring mortal; why presumest thou to intrude here, where
none like thee are permitted to come? Of all those who have attempted