and defy it. Come down and drink my health in wine from the Abbot's
own cellar."

But no one had heart for further gaiety, and, finding Lady Treherne
already alarmed by Annon, they were forced to tell her all, and find
their own bewilderment deepened by her unalterable belief in the
evil omen.

At her command the house was searched, the servants cross-questioned,
and every effort made to discover the identity of the apparition. All in
vain; the house was as usual, and not a man or maid but turned pale at
the idea of entering the gallery at midnight. At my lady's request, all
promised to say no more upon the mystery, and separated at last to such
sleep as they could enjoy.

Very grave were the faces gathered about the breakfast table next
morning, and very anxious the glances cast on Sir Jasper as he came in,
late as usual, looking uncommonly blithe and well. Nothing serious ever
made a deep impression on his mercurial nature. Treherne had more the
air of a doomed man, being very pale and worn, in spite of an occasional
gleam of happiness as he looked at Octavia. He haunted Jasper like a
shadow all the morning, much to that young gentleman's annoyance, for
both his mother and sister hung about him with faces of ill-dissembled
anxiety. By afternoon his patience gave out, and he openly rebelled
against the tender guard kept over him. Ringing for his horse he said
decidedly, "I'm bored to death with the solemnity which pervades the
house today, so I'm off for a brisk gallop, before I lose my temper and
spirits altogether."

"Come with me in the pony carriage, Jasper. I've not had a drive with