Well, it was natural; it had been an anxious time for me in truth. But I suggested it was due to long night watches.
The ladies, as they had said, had not a great deal to offer, but it was well prepared by their own hands. They had some very fine coffee, to which I am ever partial, especially in the mornings, and we made most excellent progress with the breakfast, even Belt waxing amiable. But about the middle of the breakfast he asked quite suddenly of us all:
“Do you believe in ghosts?”
I was a bit startled, I will admit, but I rejoice to think that I did not show it. Instead, I looked directly at Mistress Kate, who in truth looked very handsome and light-hearted that morning, and asked:
“Do you believe in ghosts?”
“Of a certainty—of a certainty,” she said with emphasis.
“So do I,” said I with equal emphasis.
Madame Van Auken drank her coffee.
“I don’t,” said Belt. “I thought I did for a while last night. I even thought I saw one while Shelby was away from me for a while.”
I rallied Belt, and explained to the ladies that the fever had given him an illusion the night before. They joined me in the raillery, and trusted that the gallant lieutenant would not see double when he met his enemies. Belt took it very well, better than I had thought. But after the breakfast, when we had withdrawn again, he said to me with a sour look: