Snowdon, "It is some stupid joke of
the servants. Let us think no more of it. Come, Edith, this is not like
your usual self."
"It was nothing human, Jasper; you know it as well as I. Oh, why did I
bring you here to meet the warning phantom that haunts your house!"
"Nay, if my time is near the spirit would have found me out wherever
I might be. I have no faith in that absurd superstition--I laugh at
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.
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