"And this locket," he said; "you are anxious to get, my dear?"
"Yes," said Violet, sadly. "I would like to have it. I had forgotten it. Yes, I would like to have it; I must have it."
"Then," said Mr. Thaxton, cheerily, hoping to rouse her to something like interest, "suppose we venture boldly into the ghost's quarters, and find it? What do you say, Mr. Boner? Are you courageous enough to accompany us?"
The doctor smiled an assent.
"Miss Mildmay must come, too," he said, hoping to rouse her, or to awaken some feeling in place of the dull lethargy which had taken hold of her.
"Yes, I will come. Auntie!" and she called to Mrs. Mildmay; "we will go together."
The whole plan, as far as this, had worked admirably, and the captain, offering his arm to Violet, led the way to the closed chamber.
Arrived at the door, Mr. Thaxton tried the handle.
"Have you the key?" he asked.
"Yes," said Violet, and she went to fetch it.