F. (interrupting). Oh, by the way, Mr. Percival, I had quite an adventure last night. I saw a real, bona fide ghost.
Mr. P. Did you really?
F. Yes; as I was quietly dozing, a tall figure, clad in white, stalked into my room, and when I opened my eyes I beheld him close beside me, and looking down upon my face.
Mr. P. (avoiding her eyes). And what did he say?
F. (laughing). Oh, he pretended to be the spirit of my former husband, and said I must marry again.
Mr. P. (taking both her hands in his). Why will you not heed his advice? Let me, too, add my solicitations. Marry me, Flora, and you shall never have cause to regret it. (He anxiously waits her reply.)
F. (looking up into his face with an amused smile). Why, Mr. Percival, how much you remind me of my last night’s visitor! The expression of your face, and the lines about your mouth—all but the white sheet and wig.
Mr. P. (changing color). I see that you know all; but grant me a favorable answer, and I shall be well satisfied.
F. (smiling). I suppose I ought to, since it is decided on high authority that it is right and proper I should do so. In that way, if in no other, I shall convince you that I am not afraid of ghosts, if I promise to marry one.
Mr. P. (warmly). And I shall feel well repaid for personating one by the promised reward. Henceforth I shall look with kindness on shadowy apparitions, feeling that, in other cases as well as my own, even ghosts may be of some practical use.