"Well, I fear them not," said Selina, drawing her superb figure to
its full height.

"Yes, but, my dear child, what place are they to haunt? The ruin
is sacred to your uncle's spirit. Your aunt monopolizes the park,
and, I must be allowed to state, not unfrequently trespasses upon
the grounds of others. The horse-pond is frequented by the spirit
of your maid, and your murdered sister walks these corridors. To
be plain, there is no room at Sloperton Grange for another ghost.
I cannot have them in my room,--for you know I don't like children.
Think of this, rash girl, and forbear! Would you, Selina," said
the phantom, mournfully,--"would you force your great-grandfather's
spirit to take lodgings elsewhere?"

Lady Selina's hand trembled; the lighted candle fell from her
nerveless fingers.

"No," she cried passionately; "never!" and fell fainting to the
floor.


CHAPTER III


Edgardo galloped rapidly towards Sloperton. When the outline of
the Grange had faded away in the darkness, he reined his
magnificent steed beside the ruins of Guy's Keep.

"It wants but a few minutes of the hour," he said, consulting his
watch by the light of the moon. "He dare not break his word. He