‘Pooh, nonsense! What will you be afraid of next? The locks and bolts are perfectly secure, and both Dawson and I have firearms, and are ready to use them. Your fears are childish, Janie.’
But all my arguments were unavailing, and each day my wife grew more nervous, and less willing to be left alone. So much so, indeed, that I made a practice of seeing that the house fastenings were properly secured each night myself, and of keeping a loaded revolver close to my hand, in case of need. But it damped my pleasure to find that Jane was not enjoying herself; and the country looked less beautiful to me than it had done at first. One night I suddenly awoke, to find that she was sitting up in bed, and in an attitude of expectation.
‘My dear, what is the matter with you?’
‘Oh, hush! I am sure that I hear footsteps on the stairs—footsteps creeping up and down.’
I listened with her, but could detect no sound whatever.
‘Lie down again, Jane—it is only your imagination. Every one is fast asleep in bed.’
‘I assure you, Arthur, I am not mistaken. Once they came quite near the door.’
‘If so, it can only be one of the servants. You don’t wish me to get up and encounter Mary or Susan in her night-dress, do you? Consider my morals!’
‘Oh no, of course not,’ she replied with a faint smile; yet it was some time before she fell to sleep again.