“He must be pretty robust to be able to undertake such a journey,” said Mrs Tremaine.
“He is not wanting in strength,” said Mrs Clifford. “Only—poor boy!”
“‘Poor boy!’ ‘Why poor boy’?” asked the other.
There was a pause before the elder lady said—
“It is rather difficult to explain. By the way, did any of your party at the Manor House see the ghost?”
“Heavens! I did not know that your family was blessed with a ghost,” laughed Mrs Tremaine. “No, I can assure you, we were not so lucky. What sort of a ghost is it? A ghastly figure with rattling chains? Have you seen it?”
“Yes, I have seen it,” said Mrs Clifford in a low voice.
“How interesting! Do tell me what it is like!” cried the other.
“Like? What is it like?” Mrs Clifford rose slowly from her chair, and walked to another chair. She only remained seated for a moment, however: with a sigh she began pacing the room slowly.
“I fear I have touched upon a forbidden topic,” said Mrs Tremaine. “I had no idea that you were serious.”