THECANTERVILLEGHOST

OscarWilde

Illustrator:WallaceGoldsmith

Firstpublishedin1906

https://TheVirtualLibrary.org

TableofContents

IIIIIIIVVVIVII

IWhenMr.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.Ihavecomefromamoderncountry,wherewehaveeverythingthatmoneycanbuy;andwithallourspryyoungfellowspaintingtheOldWorldred,andcarryingoffyourbestactorsandprima–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.”

MISSVIRGINIAE.OTIS

Afewweeksafterthis,thepurchasewasconcluded,andatthecloseoftheseasontheMinisterandhisfamilywentdowntoCantervilleChase.Mrs.Otis,who,asMissLucretiaR.Tappan,ofWest53dStreet,hadbeenacelebratedNewYorkbelle,wasnowaveryhandsome,middle–agedwoman,withfineeyes,andasuperbprofile.ManyAmericanladiesonleavingtheirnativelandadoptanappearanceofchronicill–health,undertheimpressionthatitisaformofEuropeanrefinement,butMrs.Otishadneverfallenintothiserror.Shehadamagnificentconstitution,andareallywonderfulamountofanimal

spirits.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“TheStarandStripes,”astheywerealwaysgettingswished.Theyweredelightfulboys,and,withtheexceptionoftheworthyMinister,theonlytruerepublicansofthefamily.

“HADONCERACEDOLDLORDBILTONONHERPONY”

AsCantervilleChaseissevenmilesfromAscot,thenearestrailwaystation,Mr.Otishadtelegraphedforawaggonettetomeetthem,andtheystartedontheirdriveinhighspirits.ItwasalovelyJulyevening,andtheairwasdelicatewiththescentofthepinewoods.Nowandthentheyheardawood–pigeonbroodingoveritsownsweetvoice,orsaw,deepintherustlingfern,theburnishedbreastofthepheasant.Littlesquirrelspeeredatthemfromthebeech–treesastheywentby,andtherabbitsscuddedawaythroughthebrushwoodandoverthemossyknolls,withtheirwhitetailsintheair.AstheyenteredtheavenueofCantervilleChase,however,theskybecamesuddenlyovercastwithclouds,acuriousstillnessseemedtoholdtheatmosphere,agreatflightofrookspassedsilentlyover

theirheads,and,beforetheyreachedthehouse,somebigdropsofrainhadfallen.

Standingonthestepstoreceivethemwasanoldwoman,neatlydressedinblacksilk,withawhitecapandapron.ThiswasMrs.Umney,thehousekeeper,whomMrs.Otis,atLadyCanterville’searnestrequest,hadconsentedtokeepinherformerposition.Shemadethemeachalowcurtseyastheyalighted,andsaidinaquaint,old–fashionedmanner,“IbidyouwelcometoCantervilleChase.”Followingher,theypassedthroughthefineTudorhallintothelibrary,along,lowroom,panelledinblackoak,attheendofwhichwasalargestainedglasswindow.Heretheyfoundtealaidoutforthem,and,aftertakingofftheirwraps,theysatdownandbegantolookround,whileMrs.Umneywaitedonthem.

SuddenlyMrs.Otiscaughtsightofadullredstainonthefloorjustbythefireplace,and,quiteunconsciousofwhatitreallysignified,saidtoMrs.Umney,“Iamafraidsomethinghasbeenspiltthere.”

“Yes,madam,”repliedtheoldhousekeeperinalowvoice,“bloodhasbeenspiltonthatspot.”

“BLOODHASBEENSPILLEDONTHATSPOT”

“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,”andbeforetheterrifiedhousekeepercouldinterfere,hehadfallenuponhisknees,andwasrapidlyscouringthefloorwithasmallstickofwhatlookedlikeablackcosmetic.Inafewmomentsnotraceoftheblood–staincouldbeseen.

“IknewPinkertonwoulddoit,”heexclaimed,triumphantly,ashelookedroundathisadmiringfamily;butnosoonerhadhesaidthesewordsthanaterribleflashoflightninglitupthesombreroom,afearfulpealofthundermadethemallstarttotheirfeet,andMrs.Umneyfainted.

“Whatamonstrousclimate!”saidtheAmericanMinister,calmly,ashelitalongcheroot.“Iguesstheoldcountryissooverpopulatedthattheyhavenotenoughdecentweatherforeverybody.IhavealwaysbeenofopinionthatemigrationistheonlythingforEngland.”

“MydearHiram,”criedMrs.Otis,“whatcanwedowithawomanwhofaints?”

“Chargeittoherlikebreakages,”answeredtheMinister;“shewon’tfaintafterthat;”andinafewmomentsMrs.Umneycertainlycameto.Therewasnodoubt,however,thatshewasextremelyupset,andshesternlywarnedMr.Otistobewareofsometroublecomingtothehouse.

“Ihaveseenthingswithmyowneyes,sir,”shesaid,“thatwouldmakeanyChristian’shairstandonend,andmanyandmanyanightIhavenotclosedmyeyesinsleepfortheawfulthingsthataredonehere.”Mr.Otis,however,andhiswifewarmlyassuredthehonestsoulthattheywerenotafraidofghosts,and,afterinvokingtheblessingsofProvidenceonhernewmasterandmistress,andmakingarrangementsforanincreaseofsalary,theoldhousekeepertotteredofftoherownroom.

IIThestormragedfiercelyallthatnight,butnothingofparticularnoteoccurred.Thenextmorning,however,whentheycamedowntobreakfast,theyfoundtheterriblestainofbloodonceagainonthefloor.“Idon’tthinkitcanbethefaultoftheParagonDetergent,”saidWashington,“forIhavetrieditwitheverything.Itmustbetheghost.”Heaccordinglyrubbedoutthestainasecondtime,butthesecondmorningitappearedagain.Thethirdmorningalsoitwasthere,thoughthelibraryhadbeenlockedupatnightbyMr.Otishimself,andthekeycarriedup–stairs.Thewholefamilywerenowquiteinterested;Mr.Otisbegantosuspectthathehadbeentoodogmaticinhisdenialoftheexistenceofghosts,Mrs.OtisexpressedherintentionofjoiningthePsychicalSociety,andWashingtonpreparedalonglettertoMessrs.MyersandPodmoreonthesubjectofthePermanenceofSanguineousStainswhenconnectedwithCrime.Thatnightalldoubtsabouttheobjectiveexistenceofphantasmatawereremovedforever.

Thedayhadbeenwarmandsunny;and,inthecooloftheevening,thewholefamilywentouttodrive.Theydidnotreturnhometillnineo’clock,whentheyhadalightsupper.Theconversationinnowayturneduponghosts,sotherewerenoteventhoseprimaryconditionsofreceptiveexpectationswhichsooftenprecedethepresentationofpsychicalphenomena.Thesubjectsdiscussed,asIhavesincelearnedfromMr.Otis,weremerelysuchasformtheordinaryconversationofculturedAmericansofthebetterclass,suchastheimmensesuperiorityofMissFannyDevonportoverSarahBernhardtasanactress;thedifficultyofobtaininggreencorn,buckwheatcakes,andhominy,eveninthebestEnglishhouses;theimportanceofBostoninthedevelopmentoftheworld–soul;theadvantagesofthebaggage–checksysteminrailwaytravelling;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,andwillbehappytosupplyyouwithmore,shouldyourequireit.”WiththesewordstheUnitedStatesMinisterlaidthebottledownonamarbletable,and,closinghisdoor,retiredtorest.

“IREALLYMUSTINSISTONYOUROILINGTHOSECHAINS”

ForamomenttheCantervilleghoststoodquitemotionlessinnaturalindignation;then,dashingthebottleviolentlyuponthepolishedfloor,hefleddownthecorridor,utteringhollowgroans,andemittingaghastlygreenlight.Just,however,ashereachedthetopofthegreatoakstaircase,adoorwasflungopen,twolittlewhite–robedfiguresappeared,andalargepillowwhizzedpasthishead!Therewasevidentlynotimetobelost,so,hastilyadoptingtheFourthdimensionofSpaceasameansofescape,hevanishedthroughthewainscoting,andthehousebecamequitequiet.

Onreachingasmallsecretchamberintheleftwing,heleanedupagainstamoonbeamtorecoverhisbreath,andbegantotryandrealizehisposition.Never,inabrilliantanduninterruptedcareerofthreehundredyears,hadhebeensogrosslyinsulted.HethoughtoftheDowagerDuchess,whomhehadfrightenedintoafitasshestoodbeforetheglassinherlaceanddiamonds;ofthefourhousemaids,whohadgoneintohystericswhenhemerelygrinnedatthemthroughthecurtainsononeofthesparebedrooms;oftherectoroftheparish,whosecandlehehadblownoutashewascominglateonenightfromthe

library,andwhohadbeenunderthecareofSirWilliamGulleversince,aperfectmartyrtonervousdisorders;andofoldMadamedeTremouillac,who,havingwakeneduponemorningearlyandseenaskeletonseatedinanarmchairbythefirereadingherdiary,hadbeenconfinedtoherbedforsixweekswithanattackofbrainfever,and,onherrecovery,hadbecomereconciledtotheChurch,andbrokenoffherconnectionwiththatnotorioussceptic,MonsieurdeVoltaire.HerememberedtheterriblenightwhenthewickedLordCantervillewasfoundchokinginhisdressing–room,withtheknaveofdiamondshalf–waydownhisthroat,andconfessed,justbeforehedied,thathehadcheatedCharlesJamesFoxoutof£50,000atCrockford’sbymeansofthatverycard,andsworethattheghosthadmadehimswallowit.Allhisgreatachievementscamebacktohimagain,fromthebutlerwhohadshothimselfinthepantrybecausehehadseenagreenhandtappingatthewindow–pane,tothebeautifulLadyStutfield,whowasalwaysobligedtowearablackvelvetbandroundherthroattohidethemarkoffivefingersburntuponherwhiteskin,andwhodrownedherselfatlastinthecarp–pondattheendoftheKing’sWalk.Withtheenthusiasticegotismofthetrueartist,hewentoverhismostcelebratedperformances,andsmiledbitterlytohimselfasherecalledtomindhislastappearanceas“RedReuben,ortheStrangledBabe,”hisdébutas“GuantGibeon,theBlood–suckerofBexleyMoor,”andthefurorehehadexcitedonelovelyJuneeveningbymerelyplayingninepinswithhisownbonesuponthelawn–tennisground.AndafterallthissomewretchedmodernAmericansweretocomeandofferhimtheRisingSunLubricator,andthrowpillowsathishead!Itwasquiteunbearable.Besides,noghostinhistoryhadeverbeentreatedinthismanner.Accordingly,hedeterminedtohavevengeance,andremainedtilldaylightinanattitudeofdeepthought.

IIIThenextmorning,whentheOtisfamilymetatbreakfast,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.Rushingdown–stairs,theyfoundthatalargesuitofoldarmourhadbecomedetachedfromitsstand,andhadfallenonthestonefloor,whileseatedinahigh–backedchairwastheCantervilleghost,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,“andhavebroughtyouabottleofDoctorDobell’stincture.Ifitisindigestion,youwillfinditamostexcellentremedy.”Theghostglaredatherinfury,andbeganatoncetomakepreparationsforturninghimselfintoalargeblackdog,anaccomplishmentforwhichhewasjustly

renowned,andtowhichthefamilydoctoralwaysattributedthepermanentidiocyofLordCanterville’suncle,theHon.ThomasHorton.Thesoundofapproachingfootsteps,however,madehimhesitateinhisfellpurpose,sohecontentedhimselfwithbecomingfaintlyphosphorescent,andvanishedwithadeepchurchyardgroan,justasthetwinshadcomeuptohim.

“THETWINS…ATONCEDISCHARGEDTWOPELLETSONHIM”

Onreachinghisroomheentirelybrokedown,andbecameapreytothemostviolentagitation.Thevulgarityofthetwins,andthegrossmaterialismofMrs.Otis,werenaturallyextremelyannoying,butwhatreallydistressedhimmostwasthathehadbeen

unabletowearthesuitofmail.HehadhopedthatevenmodernAmericanswouldbethrilledbythesightofaSpectreinarmour,iffornomoresensiblereason,atleastoutofrespectfortheirnaturalpoetLongfellow,overwhosegracefulandattractivepoetryhehimselfhadwhiledawaymanyawearyhourwhentheCantervilleswereupintown.Besidesitwashisownsuit.HehadwornitwithgreatsuccessattheKenilworthtournament,andhadbeenhighlycomplimentedonitbynolessapersonthantheVirginQueenherself.Yetwhenhehadputiton,hehadbeencompletelyoverpoweredbytheweightofthehugebreastplateandsteelcasque,andhadfallenheavilyonthestonepavement,barkingbothhiskneesseverely,andbruisingtheknucklesofhisrighthand.Forsomedaysafterthishewasextremelyill,andhardlystirredoutofhisroomatall,excepttokeeptheblood–staininproperrepair.However,bytakinggreatcareofhimself,herecovered,andresolvedtomakeathirdattempttofrightentheUnitedStatesMinisterandhisfamily.HeselectedFriday,August17th,forhisappearance,andspentmostofthatdayinlookingoverhiswardrobe,ultimatelydecidinginfavourofalargeslouchedhatwitharedfeather,awinding–sheetfrilledatthewristsandneck,andarustydagger.Towardseveningaviolentstormofraincameon,andthewindwassohighthatallthewindowsanddoorsintheoldhouseshookandrattled.Infact,itwasjustsuchweatherasheloved.Hisplanofactionwasthis.HewastomakehiswayquietlytoWashingtonOtis’sroom,gibberathimfromthefootofthebed,andstabhimselfthreetimesinthethroattothesoundoflowmusic.HeboreWashingtonaspecialgrudge,beingquiteawarethatitwashewhowasinthehabitofremovingthefamousCantervilleblood–stainbymeansofPinkerton’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,tilltheybecameparalyzedwithfear,andfinally,tothrowoffthewinding–sheet,andcrawlroundtheroom,withwhite,bleachedbonesandonerollingeyeball,inthecharacterof“DumbDaniel,ortheSuicide’sSkeleton,”arôleinwhichhehadonmorethanoneoccasionproducedagreateffect,andwhichheconsideredquiteequaltohisfamouspartof“MartintheManiac,ortheMaskedMystery.”

Athalf–pasttenheheardthefamilygoingtobed.Forsometimehewasdisturbedbywildshrieksoflaughterfromthetwins,who,withthelight–heartedgaietyofschoolboys,wereevidentlyamusingthemselvesbeforetheyretiredtorest,butataquarter–pastelevenallwasstill,and,asmidnightsounded,hesalliedforth.Theowlbeatagainstthewindow–panes,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;butnosoonerhadhedonesothan,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.

“ITSHEADWASBALDANDBURNISHED”

Neverhavingseenaghostbefore,henaturallywasterriblyfrightened,and,afterasecondhastyglanceattheawfulphantom,hefledbacktohisroom,trippingupinhislong

winding–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:—

+―――――――――+|YEOTISGHOSTE||YeOnlieTrueandOriginaleSpook,||BewareofYeImitationes.||Allothersarecounterfeite.|+―――――――――+

Thewholethingflashedacrosshim.Hehadbeentricked,foiled,andout–witted!TheoldCantervillelookcameintohiseyes;hegroundhistoothlessgumstogether;and,raisinghiswitheredhandshighabovehishead,sworeaccordingtothepicturesquephraseologyoftheantiqueschool,that,whenChanticleerhadsoundedtwicehismerryhorn,deedsofbloodwouldbewrought,andmurderwalkabroadwithsilentfeet.

Hardlyhadhefinishedthisawfuloathwhen,fromthered–tiledroofofadistanthomestead,acockcrew.Helaughedalong,low,bitterlaugh,andwaited.Hourafterhourhewaited,butthecock,forsomestrangereason,didnotcrowagain.Finally,athalf–pastseven,thearrivalofthehousemaidsmadehimgiveuphisfearfulvigil,andhestalkedbacktohisroom,thinkingofhisvainoathandbaffledpurpose.Thereheconsultedseveralbooksofancientchivalry,ofwhichhewasexceedinglyfond,andfoundthat,oneveryoccasiononwhichthisoathhadbeenused,Chanticleerhadalwayscrowedasecondtime.“Perditionseizethenaughtyfowl,”hemuttered,“Ihaveseenthedaywhen,withmystoutspear,Iwouldhaverunhimthroughthegorge,andmadehimcrowformean‘twereindeath!”Hethenretiredtoacomfortableleadcoffin,andstayedtheretillevening.

IV

“HEMETWITHASEVEREFALL”

Thenextdaytheghostwasveryweakandtired.Theterribleexcitementofthelastfourweekswasbeginningtohaveitseffect.Hisnerveswerecompletelyshattered,andhestartedattheslightestnoise.Forfivedayshekepthisroom,andatlastmadeuphismind

togiveupthepointoftheblood–stainonthelibraryfloor.IftheOtisfamilydidnotwantit,theyclearlydidnotdeserveit.Theywereevidentlypeopleonalow,materialplaneofexistence,andquiteincapableofappreciatingthesymbolicvalueofsensuousphenomena.Thequestionofphantasmicapparitions,andthedevelopmentofastralbodies,wasofcoursequiteadifferentmatter,andreallynotunderhiscontrol.Itwashissolemndutytoappearinthecorridoronceaweek,andtogibberfromthelargeorielwindowonthefirstandthirdWednesdaysineverymonth,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.Stillinspiteofeverythinghewasnotleftunmolested.Stringswerecontinuallybeingstretchedacrossthecorridor,overwhichhetrippedinthedark,andononeoccasion,whiledressedforthepartof“BlackIsaac,ortheHuntsmanofHogleyWoods,”hemetwithaseverefall,throughtreadingonabutter–slide,whichthetwinshadconstructedfromtheentranceoftheTapestryChambertothetopoftheoakstaircase.Thislastinsultsoenragedhim,thatheresolvedtomakeonefinalefforttoasserthisdignityandsocialposition,anddeterminedtovisittheinsolentyoungEtoniansthenextnightinhiscelebratedcharacterof“RecklessRupert,ortheHeadlessEarl.”

“AHEAVYJUGOFWATERFELLRIGHTDOWNONHIM.”

Hehadnotappearedinthisdisguiseformorethanseventyyears;infact,notsincehehadsofrightenedprettyLadyBarbaraModishbymeansofit,thatshesuddenlybrokeoffherengagementwiththepresentLordCanterville’sgrandfather,andranawaytoGretnaGreenwithhandsomeJackCastletown,declaringthatnothingintheworldwouldinducehertomarryintoafamilythatallowedsuchahorriblephantomtowalkupanddowntheterraceattwilight.PoorJackwasafterwardsshotinaduelbyLordCantervilleonWandsworthCommon,andLadyBarbaradiedofabrokenheartatTunbridgeWellsbeforetheyearwas

out,so,ineveryway,ithadbeenagreatsuccess.Itwas,howeveranextremelydifficult“make–up,”ifImayusesuchatheatricalexpressioninconnectionwithoneofthegreatestmysteriesofthesupernatural,or,toemployamorescientificterm,thehigher–naturalworld,andittookhimfullythreehourstomakehispreparations.Atlasteverythingwasready,andhewasverypleasedwithhisappearance.Thebigleatherriding–bootsthatwentwiththedresswerejustalittletoolargeforhim,andhecouldonlyfindoneofthetwohorse–pistols,but,onthewhole,hewasquitesatisfied,andataquarter–pastoneheglidedoutofthewainscotingandcreptdownthecorridor.Onreachingtheroomoccupiedbythetwins,whichIshouldmentionwascalledtheBlueBedChamber,onaccountofthecolourofitshangings,hefoundthedoorjustajar.Wishingtomakeaneffectiveentrance,heflungitwideopen,whenaheavyjugofwaterfellrightdownonhim,wettinghimtotheskin,andjustmissinghisleftshoulderbyacoupleofinches.Atthesamemomentheheardstifledshrieksoflaughterproceedingfromthefour–postbed.Theshocktohisnervoussystemwassogreatthathefledbacktohisroomashardashecouldgo,andthenextdayhewaslaidupwithaseverecold.Theonlythingthatatallconsoledhiminthewholeaffairwasthefactthathehadnotbroughthisheadwithhim,for,hadhedoneso,theconsequencesmighthavebeenveryserious.

“MAKINGSATIRICALREMARKSONTHEPHOTOGRAPHS”

HenowgaveupallhopeofeverfrighteningthisrudeAmericanfamily,andcontentedhimself,asarule,withcreepingaboutthepassagesinlistslippers,withathickredmufflerroundhisthroatforfearofdraughts,andasmallarquebuse,incaseheshouldbeattackedbythetwins.Thefinalblowhereceivedoccurredonthe19thofSeptember.Hehadgonedown–stairstothegreatentrance–hall,feelingsurethatthere,atanyrate,hewouldbequiteunmolested,andwasamusinghimselfbymakingsatiricalremarksonthelargeSaroniphotographsoftheUnitedStatesMinisterandhiswifewhichhadnowtakenthe

placeoftheCantervillefamilypictures.Hewassimplybutneatlycladinalongshroud,spottedwithchurchyardmould,hadtieduphisjawwithastripofyellowlinen,andcarriedasmalllanternandasexton’sspade.Infact,hewasdressedforthecharacterof“JonastheGraveless,ortheCorpse–SnatcherofChertseyBarn,”oneofhismostremarkableimpersonations,andonewhichtheCantervilleshadeveryreasontoremember,asitwastherealoriginoftheirquarrelwiththeirneighbour,LordRufford.Itwasaboutaquarter–pasttwoo’clockinthemorning,and,asfarashecouldascertain,noonewasstirring.Ashewasstrollingtowardsthelibrary,however,toseeiftherewereanytracesleftoftheblood–stain,suddenlythereleapedoutonhimfromadarkcornertwofigures,whowavedtheirarmswildlyabovetheirheads,andshriekedout“BOO!”inhisear.

“SUDDENLYTHERELEAPEDOUTTWOFIGURES.”

Seizedwithapanic,which,underthecircumstances,wasonlynatural,herushedforthestaircase,butfoundWashingtonOtiswaitingforhimtherewiththebiggarden–syringe,andbeingthushemmedinbyhisenemiesoneveryside,anddrivenalmosttobay,hevanishedintothegreatironstove,which,fortunatelyforhim,wasnotlit,andhadtomakehiswayhomethroughthefluesandchimneys,arrivingathisownroominaterriblestate

ofdirt,disorder,anddespair.

Afterthishewasnotseenagainonanynocturnalexpedition.Thetwinslayinwaitforhimonseveraloccasions,andstrewedthepassageswithnutshellseverynighttothegreatannoyanceoftheirparentsandtheservants,butitwasofnoavail.Itwasquiteevidentthathisfeelingsweresowoundedthathewouldnotappear.Mr.OtisconsequentlyresumedhisgreatworkonthehistoryoftheDemocraticParty,onwhichhehadbeenengagedforsomeyears;Mrs.Otisorganizedawonderfulclam–bake,whichamazedthewholecounty;theboystooktolacrosseeuchre,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–roominsuchahelplessparalyticstatethat,thoughhelivedontoagreatage,hewasneverabletosayanythingagainbut“DoubleSixes.”Thestorywaswellknownatthetime,though,ofcourse,outofrespecttothefeelingsofthetwonoblefamilies,everyattemptwasmadetohushitup,andafullaccountofallthecircumstancesconnectedwithitwillbefoundinthethirdvolumeofLordTattle’sRecollectionsofthePrinceRegentandhisFriends.Theghost,then,wasnaturallyveryanxioustoshowthathehadnotlosthisinfluenceovertheStiltons,withwhom,indeed,hewasdistantlyconnected,hisownfirstcousinhavingbeenmarriedensecondesnocestotheSieurdeBulkeley,fromwhom,aseveryoneknows,theDukesofCheshirearelineallydescended.Accordingly,hemadearrangementsforappearingtoVirginia’slittleloverinhiscelebratedimpersonationof“TheVampireMonk,ortheBloodlessBenedictine,”aperformancesohorriblethatwhenoldLadyStartupsawit,whichshedidononefatalNewYear’sEve,intheyear1764,shewentoffintothemostpiercingshrieks,whichculminatedinviolentapoplexy,anddiedinthreedays,afterdisinheritingtheCantervilles,whowerehernearestrelations,andleavingallhermoneytoherLondonapothecary.Atthelastmoment,however,histerrorofthetwinspreventedhisleavinghisroom,andthelittleDukesleptinpeaceunderthegreatfeatheredcanopyintheRoyalBedchamber,anddreamedofVirginia.

VAfewdaysafterthis,Virginiaandhercurly–hairedcavalierwentoutridingonBrockleymeadows,whereshetoreherhabitsobadlyingettingthroughahedgethat,ontheirreturnhome,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,”saidtheGhost,petulantly,“butitwasapurelyfamilymatter,andconcernednooneelse.”

“Itisverywrongtokillanyone,”saidVirginia,whoattimeshadasweetpuritangravity,caughtfromsomeoldNewEnglandancestor.

“Oh,Ihatethecheapseverityofabstractethics!Mywifewasveryplain,neverhadmyruffsproperlystarched,andknewnothingaboutcookery.Why,therewasabuckIhadshotinHogleyWoods,amagnificentpricket,anddoyouknowhowshehaditsenttotable?However,itisnomatternow,foritisallover,andIdon’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,includingthe

vermilion,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,”saidVirginia,satirically.

“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?”

“‘POOR,POORGHOST,’SHEMURMURED;‘HAVEYOUNOPLACEWHEREYOUCANSLEEP?’”

“Farawaybeyondthepine–woods,”heanswered,inalow,dreamyvoice,“thereisalittlegarden.Therethegrassgrowslonganddeep,therearethegreatwhitestarsofthehemlockflower,therethenightingalesingsallnightlong.Allnightlonghesings,andthecoldcrystalmoonlooksdown,andtheyew–treespreadsoutitsgiantarmsoverthesleepers.”

Virginia’seyesgrewdimwithtears,andshehidherfaceinherhands.

“YoumeantheGardenofDeath,”shewhispered.

“Yes,death.Deathmustbesobeautiful.Tolieinthesoftbrownearth,withthegrasseswavingaboveone’shead,andlistentosilence.Tohavenoyesterday,andnoto–morrow.Toforgettime,toforgetlife,tobeatpeace.Youcanhelpme.Youcanopenformetheportalsofdeath’shouse,forloveisalwayswithyou,andloveisstrongerthandeathis.”

Virginiatrembled,acoldshudderranthroughher,andforafewmomentstherewassilence.Shefeltasifshewasinaterribledream.

Thentheghostspokeagain,andhisvoicesoundedlikethesighingofthewind.

“Haveyoueverreadtheoldprophecyonthelibrarywindow?”

“Oh,often,”criedthelittlegirl,lookingup;“Iknowitquitewell.Itispaintedincuriousblackletters,andisdifficulttoread.Thereareonlysixlines:

“‘WhenagoldengirlcanwinPrayerfromoutthelipsofsin,Whenthebarrenalmondbears,Andalittlechildgivesawayitstears,ThenshallallthehousebestillAndpeacecometoCanterville.’

“ButIdon’tknowwhattheymean.”

“Theymean,”hesaid,sadly,“thatyoumustweepwithmeformysins,becauseIhavenotears,andpraywithmeformysoul,becauseIhavenofaith,andthen,ifyouhavealwaysbeensweet,andgood,andgentle,theangelofdeathwillhavemercyonme.Youwillseefearfulshapesindarkness,andwickedvoiceswillwhisperinyourear,buttheywillnotharmyou,foragainstthepurityofalittlechildthepowersofHellcannotprevail.”

Virginiamadenoanswer,andtheghostwrunghishandsinwilddespairashelookeddownatherbowedgoldenhead.Suddenlyshestoodup,verypale,andwithastrangelightinhereyes.“Iamnotafraid,”shesaidfirmly,“andIwillasktheangeltohavemercyonyou.”

Herosefromhisseatwithafaintcryofjoy,andtakingherhandbentoveritwithold–fashionedgraceandkissedit.Hisfingerswereascoldasice,andhislipsburnedlikefire,butVirginiadidnotfalter,asheledheracrosstheduskyroom.Onthefadedgreentapestrywerebroideredlittlehuntsmen.Theyblewtheirtasselledhornsandwiththeirtinyhandswavedtohertogoback.“Goback!littleVirginia,”theycried,“goback!”buttheghostclutchedherhandmoretightly,andsheshuthereyesagainstthem.Horribleanimalswithlizardtailsandgoggleeyesblinkedatherfromthecarvenchimneypiece,andmurmured,“Beware!littleVirginia,beware!wemayneverseeyouagain,”buttheGhostglidedonmoreswiftly,andVirginiadidnotlisten.Whentheyreachedtheendoftheroomhestopped,andmutteredsomewordsshecouldnotunderstand.Sheopenedhereyes,andsawthewallslowlyfadingawaylikeamist,andagreatblackcaverninfrontofher.Abittercoldwindsweptroundthem,andshefeltsomethingpullingatherdress.“Quick,quick,”criedtheGhost,“oritwillbetoolate,”andinamomentthewainscotinghadclosedbehindthem,andtheTapestryChamberwasempty.

“THEGHOSTGLIDEDONMORESWIFTLY”

VIAbouttenminuteslater,thebellrangfortea,and,asVirginiadidnotcomedown,Mrs.Otissentuponeofthefootmentotellher.AfteralittletimehereturnedandsaidthathecouldnotfindMissVirginiaanywhere.Asshewasinthehabitofgoingouttothegardeneveryeveningtogetflowersforthedinner–table,Mrs.Otiswasnotatallalarmedatfirst,butwhensixo’clockstruck,andVirginiadidnotappear,shebecamereallyagitated,andsenttheboysouttolookforher,whilesheherselfandMr.Otissearchedeveryroominthehouse.Athalf–pastsixtheboyscamebackandsaidthattheycouldfindnotraceoftheirsisteranywhere.Theywereallnowinthegreateststateofexcitement,anddidnotknowwhattodo,whenMr.Otissuddenlyrememberedthat,somefewdaysbefore,hehadgivenabandofgipsiespermissiontocampinthepark.HeaccordinglyatoncesetoffforBlackfellHollow,whereheknewtheywere,accompaniedbyhiseldestsonandtwoofthefarm–servants.ThelittleDukeofCheshire,whowasperfectlyfranticwithanxiety,beggedhardtobeallowedtogotoo,butMr.Otiswouldnotallowhim,ashewasafraidtheremightbeascuffle.Onarrivingatthespot,however,hefoundthatthegipsieshadgone,anditwasevidentthattheirdeparturehadbeenrathersudden,asthefirewasstillburning,andsomeplateswerelyingonthegrass.HavingsentoffWashingtonandthetwomentoscourthedistrict,heranhome,anddespatchedtelegramstoallthepoliceinspectorsinthecounty,tellingthemtolookoutforalittlegirlwhohadbeenkidnappedbytrampsorgipsies.Hethenorderedhishorsetobebroughtround,and,afterinsistingonhiswifeandthethreeboyssittingdowntodinner,rodeoffdowntheAscotroadwithagroom.Hehadhardly,however,goneacoupleofmiles,whenheheardsomebodygallopingafterhim,and,lookinground,sawthelittleDukecominguponhispony,withhisfaceveryflushed,andnohat.“I’mawfullysorry,Mr.Otis,”gaspedouttheboy,“butIcan’teatanydinneraslongasVirginiaislost.Pleasedon’tbeangrywithme;ifyouhadletusbeengagedlastyear,therewouldneverhavebeenallthistrouble.Youwon’tsendmeback,willyou?Ican’tgo!Iwon’tgo!”

“HEHEARDSOMEBODYGALLOPINGAFTERHIM”

TheMinistercouldnothelpsmilingatthehandsomeyoungscapegrace,andwasagooddealtouchedathisdevotiontoVirginia,soleaningdownfromhishorse,hepattedhimkindlyontheshoulders,andsaid,“Well,Cecil,ifyouwon’tgoback,Isupposeyoumustcomewithme,butImustgetyouahatatAscot.”

“Oh,bothermyhat!IwantVirginia!”criedthelittleDuke,laughing,andtheygallopedontotherailwaystation.ThereMr.Otisinquiredofthestation–masterifanyoneansweringtothedescriptionofVirginiahadbeenseenontheplatform,butcouldgetnonewsofher.Thestation–master,however,wiredupanddowntheline,andassuredhimthatastrictwatchwouldbekeptforher,and,afterhavingboughtahatforthelittleDukefromalinen–draper,whowasjustputtinguphisshutters,Mr.OtisrodeofftoBexley,avillageaboutfourmilesaway,whichhewastoldwasawell–knownhauntofthegipsies,astherewasalargecommonnexttoit.Heretheyrouseduptheruralpoliceman,butcouldgetnoinformationfromhim,and,afterridingalloverthecommon,theyturnedtheirhorses’headshomewards,andreachedtheChaseabouteleveno’clock,dead–tiredandalmostheart–broken.TheyfoundWashingtonandthetwinswaitingforthematthegate–housewithlanterns,astheavenuewasverydark.NottheslightesttraceofVirginiahadbeendiscovered.ThegipsieshadbeencaughtonBrockleymeadows,butshewasnotwiththem,andtheyhadexplainedtheirsuddendeparturebysayingthattheyhadmistakenthedateofChortonFair,andhadgoneoffinahurryforfeartheyshouldbelate.Indeed,theyhadbeenquitedistressedathearingofVirginia’sdisappearance,astheywereverygratefultoMr.Otisforhavingallowedthemtocampinhispark,andfouroftheirnumberhadstayedbehindtohelpinthesearch.Thecarp–pondhadbeendragged,andthewholeChasethoroughlygoneover,butwithoutanyresult.Itwasevidentthat,forthatnightatanyrate,Virginiawaslosttothem;anditwasinastateofthedeepestdepressionthatMr.

Otisandtheboyswalkeduptothehouse,thegroomfollowingbehindwiththetwohorsesandthepony.Inthehalltheyfoundagroupoffrightenedservants,andlyingonasofainthelibrarywaspoorMrs.Otis,almostoutofhermindwithterrorandanxiety,andhavingherforeheadbathedwitheaudecolognebytheoldhousekeeper.Mr.Otisatonceinsistedonherhavingsomethingtoeat,andorderedupsupperforthewholeparty.Itwasamelancholymeal,ashardlyanyonespoke,andeventhetwinswereawestruckandsubdued,astheywereveryfondoftheirsister.Whentheyhadfinished,Mr.Otis,inspiteoftheentreatiesofthelittleDuke,orderedthemalltobed,sayingthatnothingmorecouldbedonethatnight,andthathewouldtelegraphinthemorningtoScotlandYardforsomedetectivestobesentdownimmediately.Justastheywerepassingoutofthedining–room,midnightbegantoboomfromtheclocktower,andwhenthelaststrokesoundedtheyheardacrashandasuddenshrillcry;adreadfulpealofthundershookthehouse,astrainofunearthlymusicfloatedthroughtheair,apanelatthetopofthestaircaseflewbackwithaloudnoise,andoutonthelanding,lookingverypaleandwhite,withalittlecasketinherhand,steppedVirginia.Inamomenttheyhadallrusheduptoher.Mrs.Otisclaspedherpassionatelyinherarms,theDukesmotheredherwithviolentkisses,andthetwinsexecutedawildwar–danceroundthegroup.

“OUTONTHELANDINGSTEPPEDVIRGINIA”

“Goodheavens!child,wherehaveyoubeen?”saidMr.Otis,ratherangrily,thinkingthatshehadbeenplayingsomefoolishtrickonthem.“CecilandIhavebeenridingalloverthecountrylookingforyou,andyourmotherhasbeenfrightenedtodeath.Youmustneverplaythesepracticaljokesanymore.”

“ExceptontheGhost!exceptontheGhost!”shriekedthetwins,astheycaperedabout.

“Myowndarling,thankGodyouarefound;youmustneverleavemysideagain,”murmuredMrs.Otis,asshekissedthetremblingchild,andsmoothedthetangledgoldofherhair.

“Papa,”saidVirginia,quietly,“IhavebeenwiththeGhost.Heisdead,andyoumustcomeandseehim.Hehadbeenverywicked,buthewasreallysorryforallthathehaddone,andhegavemethisboxofbeautifuljewelsbeforehedied.”

Thewholefamilygazedatherinmuteamazement,butshewasquitegraveandserious;and,turninground,sheledthemthroughtheopeninginthewainscotingdownanarrowsecretcorridor,Washingtonfollowingwithalightedcandle,whichhehadcaughtupfromthetable.Finally,theycametoagreatoakdoor,studdedwithrustynails.WhenVirginiatouchedit,itswungbackonitsheavyhinges,andtheyfoundthemselvesinalittlelowroom,withavaultedceiling,andonetinygratedwindow.Imbeddedinthewallwasahugeironring,andchainedtoitwasagauntskeleton,thatwasstretchedoutatfulllengthonthestonefloor,andseemedtobetryingtograspwithitslongfleshlessfingersanold–fashionedtrencherandewer,thatwereplacedjustoutofitsreach.Thejughadevidentlybeenoncefilledwithwater,asitwascoveredinsidewithgreenmould.Therewasnothingonthetrencherbutapileofdust.Virginiakneltdownbesidetheskeleton,and,foldingherlittlehandstogether,begantopraysilently,whiletherestofthepartylookedoninwonderattheterribletragedywhosesecretwasnowdisclosedtothem.

“CHAINEDTOITWASAGAUNTSKELETON”

“Hallo!”suddenlyexclaimedoneofthetwins,whohadbeenlookingoutofthewindowtotryanddiscoverinwhatwingofthehousetheroomwassituated.“Hallo!theoldwitheredalmond–treehasblossomed.Icanseetheflowersquiteplainlyinthemoonlight.”

“Godhasforgivenhim,”saidVirginia,gravely,assherosetoherfeet,andabeautifullightseemedtoillumineherface.

“Whatanangelyouare!”criedtheyoungDuke,andheputhisarmroundherneck,andkissedher.

VII

“BYTHESIDEOFTHEHEARSEANDTHECOACHESWALKEDTHESERVANTSWITHLIGHTEDTORCHES”

Fourdaysafterthesecuriousincidents,afuneralstartedfromCantervilleChaseatabouteleveno’clockatnight.Thehearsewasdrawnbyeightblackhorses,eachofwhichcarriedonitsheadagreattuftofnoddingostrich–plumes,andtheleadencoffinwascoveredbyarichpurplepall,onwhichwasembroideredingoldtheCantervillecoat–of–arms.Bythesideofthehearseandthecoacheswalkedtheservantswithlightedtorches,andthewholeprocessionwaswonderfullyimpressive.LordCantervillewasthechiefmourner,havingcomeupspeciallyfromWalestoattendthefuneral,andsatinthefirstcarriagealongwithlittleVirginia.ThencametheUnitedStatesMinisterandhiswife,thenWashingtonandthethreeboys,andinthelastcarriagewasMrs.Umney.Itwasgenerallyfeltthat,asshehadbeenfrightenedbytheghostformorethanfiftyyearsofherlife,shehadarighttoseethelastofhim.Adeepgravehadbeenduginthecornerofthechurchyard,justundertheoldyew–tree,andtheservicewasreadinthemostimpressivemannerbytheRev.AugustusDampier.Whentheceremonywasover,theservants,accordingtoanoldcustomobservedintheCantervillefamily,extinguishedtheirtorches,and,asthecoffinwasbeingloweredintothegrave,Virginiasteppedforward,andlaidonitalargecrossmadeofwhiteandpinkalmond–blossoms.Asshedidso,themooncameoutfrombehindacloud,andfloodedwithitssilentsilverthelittlechurchyard,andfromadistantcopseanightingalebegantosing.Shethoughtoftheghost’sdescriptionoftheGardenofDeath,hereyesbecamedimwithtears,andshehardlyspokeawordduringthedrivehome.

“THEMOONCAMEOUTFROMBEHINDACLOUD”

Thenextmorning,beforeLordCantervillewentuptotown,Mr.OtishadaninterviewwithhimonthesubjectofthejewelstheghosthadgiventoVirginia.Theywereperfectlymagnificent,especiallyacertainrubynecklacewitholdVenetiansetting,whichwasreallyasuperbspecimenofsixteenth–centurywork,andtheirvaluewassogreatthatMr.Otisfeltconsiderablescruplesaboutallowinghisdaughtertoacceptthem.

“Mylord,”hesaid,“Iknowthatinthiscountrymortmainisheldtoapplytotrinketsaswellastoland,anditisquitecleartomethatthesejewelsare,orshouldbe,heirloomsin

yourfamily.Imustbegyou,accordingly,totakethemtoLondonwithyou,andtoregardthemsimplyasaportionofyourpropertywhichhasbeenrestoredtoyouundercertainstrangeconditions.Asformydaughter,sheismerelyachild,andhasasyet,Iamgladtosay,butlittleinterestinsuchappurtenancesofidleluxury.IamalsoinformedbyMrs.Otis,who,Imaysay,isnomeanauthorityuponArt,—havinghadtheprivilegeofspendingseveralwintersinBostonwhenshewasagirl,—thatthesegemsareofgreatmonetaryworth,andifofferedforsalewouldfetchatallprice.Underthesecircumstances,LordCanterville,Ifeelsurethatyouwillrecognizehowimpossibleitwouldbeformetoallowthemtoremaininthepossessionofanymemberofmyfamily;and,indeed,allsuchvaingaudsandtoys,howeversuitableornecessarytothedignityoftheBritisharistocracy,wouldbecompletelyoutofplaceamongthosewhohavebeenbroughtuponthesevere,andIbelieveimmortal,principlesofRepublicansimplicity.PerhapsIshouldmentionthatVirginiaisveryanxiousthatyoushouldallowhertoretainthebox,asamementoofyourunfortunatebutmisguidedancestor.Asitisextremelyold,andconsequentlyagooddealoutofrepair,youmayperhapsthinkfittocomplywithherrequest.Formyownpart,IconfessIamagooddealsurprisedtofindachildofmineexpressingsympathywithmediævalisminanyform,andcanonlyaccountforitbythefactthatVirginiawasborninoneofyourLondonsuburbsshortlyafterMrs.OtishadreturnedfromatriptoAthens.”LordCantervillelistenedverygravelytotheworthyMinister’sspeech,pullinghisgreymoustachenowandthentohideaninvoluntarysmile,andwhenMr.Otishadended,heshookhimcordiallybythehand,andsaid:“Mydearsir,yourcharminglittledaughterrenderedmyunluckyancestor,SirSimon,averyimportantservice,andIandmyfamilyaremuchindebtedtoherforhermarvellouscourageandpluck.Thejewelsareclearlyhers,and,egad,IbelievethatifIwereheartlessenoughtotakethemfromher,thewickedoldfellowwouldbeoutofhisgraveinafortnight,leadingmethedevilofalife.Asfortheirbeingheirlooms,nothingisanheirloomthatisnotsomentionedinawillorlegaldocument,andtheexistenceofthesejewelshasbeenquiteunknown.IassureyouIhavenomoreclaimonthemthanyourbutler,andwhenMissVirginiagrowsup,Idaresayshewillbepleasedtohaveprettythingstowear.Besides,youforget,Mr.Otis,thatyoutookthefurnitureandtheghostatavaluation,andanythingthatbelongedtotheghostpassedatonceintoyourpossession,as,whateveractivitySirSimonmayhaveshowninthecorridoratnight,inpointoflawhewasreallydead,andyouacquiredhispropertybypurchase.”

Mr.OtiswasagooddealdistressedatLordCanterville’srefusal,andbeggedhimtoreconsiderhisdecision,butthegood–naturedpeerwasquitefirm,andfinallyinducedtheMinistertoallowhisdaughtertoretainthepresenttheghosthadgivenher,andwhen,inthespringof1890,theyoungDuchessofCheshirewaspresentedattheQueen’sfirstdrawing–roomontheoccasionofhermarriage,herjewelsweretheuniversalthemeofadmiration.ForVirginiareceivedthecoronet,whichistherewardofallgoodlittleAmericangirls,andwasmarriedtoherboy–loverassoonashecameofage.Theywerebothsocharming,andtheylovedeachothersomuch,thateveryonewasdelightedatthematch,excepttheoldMarchionessofDumbleton,whohadtriedtocatchtheDukeforoneofhersevenunmarrieddaughters,andhadgivennolessthanthreeexpensivedinner–partiesforthatpurpose,and,strangetosay,Mr.Otishimself.Mr.OtiswasextremelyfondoftheyoungDukepersonally,but,theoretically,heobjectedtotitles,and,tousehisown

words,“wasnotwithoutapprehensionlest,amidtheenervatinginfluencesofapleasure–lovingaristocracy,thetrueprinciplesofRepublicansimplicityshouldbeforgotten.”Hisobjections,however,werecompletelyoverruled,andIbelievethatwhenhewalkeduptheaisleofSt.George’s,HanoverSquare,withhisdaughterleaningonhisarm,therewasnotaproudermaninthewholelengthandbreadthofEngland.

TheDukeandDuchess,afterthehoneymoonwasover,wentdowntoCantervilleChase,andonthedayaftertheirarrivaltheywalkedoverintheafternoontothelonelychurchyardbythepine–woods.TherehadbeenagreatdealofdifficultyatfirstabouttheinscriptiononSirSimon’stombstone,butfinallyithadbeendecidedtoengraveonitsimplytheinitialsoftheoldgentleman’sname,andtheversefromthelibrarywindow.TheDuchesshadbroughtwithhersomelovelyroses,whichshestreweduponthegrave,andaftertheyhadstoodbyitforsometimetheystrolledintotheruinedchanceloftheoldabbey.TheretheDuchesssatdownonafallenpillar,whileherhusbandlayatherfeetsmokingacigaretteandlookingupatherbeautifuleyes.Suddenlyhethrewhiscigaretteaway,tookholdofherhand,andsaidtoher,“Virginia,awifeshouldhavenosecretsfromherhusband.”

“DearCecil!Ihavenosecretsfromyou.”

“Yes,youhave,”heanswered,smiling,“youhavenevertoldmewhathappenedtoyouwhenyouwerelockedupwiththeghost.”

“Ihavenevertoldanyone,Cecil,”saidVirginia,gravely.

“Iknowthat,butyoumighttellme.”

“Pleasedon’taskme,Cecil,Icannottellyou.PoorSirSimon!Iowehimagreatdeal.Yes,don’tlaugh,Cecil,Ireallydo.HemademeseewhatLifeis,andwhatDeathsignifies,andwhyLoveisstrongerthanboth.”

TheDukeroseandkissedhiswifelovingly.

“YoucanhaveyoursecretaslongasIhaveyourheart,”hemurmured.

“Youhavealwayshadthat,Cecil.”

“Andyouwilltellourchildrensomeday,won’tyou?”

Virginiablushed.