"Oh, indeed, you are very good-looking, Dan."
The man of the world blushed at the praise of this rustic maiden, and held up a protesting hand. He was standing by a window, and the light striking on his face emphasised his resemblance to Sir Alurde in a startling manner.
"You will make me vain if you talk so," he said, smiling. "I see you admire Sir Alurde."
"I do; I am quite in love with him."
Before Dan could make capital out of this remark by introducing himself, he was startled by a long-drawn sigh which sounded close at hand.
"Is that you, Meg?"
"No; what do you mean?"
"Did you sigh?"
"Of course not. Why should I sigh?"
"Then it must have been one of those ghosts we were talking about. I certainly heard some one sighing."