The irreligious character of the Towers was well known; and the way in which this awful affair was treated will sufficiently show it, and our readers will see how difficult it was for the Earl to change his course all at once. He had laughed and joked on such occasions before, and he was not so changed yet that he was beyond the influence of the evil current.
As he left Ellen, Frank entered the room, equipped for riding.
"Why, De Vere, where the deuce are you off to?" said young Pringle.
"I am going to Piershill—do you think I am going to sleep here to-night, with Sir Richard lying below?"
"Oh, Frank," said Lady Florence, "I wish you had not put that into my head; I am quite nervous—I wish I did not sleep alone!"
"Then you should make friends with his ghost, Floss!" said her brother, laughing.
Without appearing to notice his remark, Lady Florence prevailed on Ellen to share her room that night.
"I wouldn't be you, youngster," said Wilson to Johnny; "you are next cabin to him."
"Oh, bother it!—Lord Wentworth, may he be moved?"
"No, no, Johnny," said the Earl, who could not help relishing the dreadful jest—"he has been knocked about enough for one night. You may sleep in another room; but I put my veto on moving him again."