“I’m glad of that. I was afraid you might find them small; but it does indeed look very bright and cheery. Anywhere; here, if you like. We are so very glad to have you for neighbors, I could not defer any longer to come and bid you welcome. Does the house please you?”
“It pleases me perfectly. But, since you ask if we rested well, I must tell you our strange experience;” and she very briefly narrated the unaccountable knockings.
Miss Brook listened curiously, with the utmost astonishment depicted on her countenance. The current of her thoughts was not particularly flattering to Mrs. Beckwith’s common-sense, had it been known, but of course it was not; nor did anybody observe the interest with which Robert received his first intimation of what had occurred.
“Well, I have never heard anything like it, and, of a certainty, it must have some rational explanation. What that may be we will find as soon as possible.”
“Now, Miss Brook, do let us believe it’s haunted!” cried Bonny, coaxingly. “It’s so delightful and uncommon in America. I feel just like a heroine this morning.”
“You look like one, my dear, with those shining eyes and pink cheeks. You may be tired, but you are physically better than when you came a week ago. But ghosts! Oh, no! we have no ghosts in New Windsor.”
“Still they’re so inspiring!” said Bonny, with a comical glance at Roland.
“Yes, dear Miss Joanna, will you believe that my matter-of-fact sister came down into the dining-room in the middle of the night, listened to the ‘rappings,’ and immediately burst into rhyme? Shall I repeat, Beatrice?”
“At the peril of your life! Beg pardon, Miss Brook. I will not talk any more, at present.”
“I like to hear you, my child, I like to hear you. It does old ears good to listen to youthful chatter. I’m sure it’s better than hearing much that is said which may be more sensible.”