"And what did you do then, Simpson?"
"I went to live with your father, sir, and I have lived with the family ever since. But it was my philosophy which saved my life. If I had given in she would have killed me."
"And where is she now, Simpson?"
"I don't know, sir, and I don't want to. Yes, sir, nothing but philosophy will master a woman."
"Well, to come back to where we were, Simpson. You being a philosopher, have you any explanation to offer as to ghosts?"
"Well, sir, not ever having seen one, I don't see how I can. If I had seen one I might answer. Have you seen one, sir?"
"Yes, Simpson. This evening, just before coming in to dinner, I was coming along the footpath through the copse, when I saw a pair of bright, staring eyes, like the eyes of a madman. There was no doubt about it; I am certain I saw them. I could make out no face, but I am certain I saw the eyes. When I went to the place where I saw them I could find nothing. What is your opinion about it?"
Simpson thought a minute, then he replied solemnly:
"It was an 'allucination, sir."
"Was it that, Simpson?"