Atherley instantly rang the bell near him, and while Lady Atherley continued to repeat that it was very strange, and that she could not imagine what it could be, he waited silently till his summons was answered by a footman.
"Charles, what is the meaning of that crying or howling which seems to come from your end of the house?"
"I think, Sir George," said Charles, with the coldly impassive manner of a highly-trained servant—"I think, Sir George, it must be Ann, the kitchen-maid, that you hear."
"Indeed! and may I ask what Ann, the kitchen-maid, is supposed to be doing?"
"If you please, Sir George, she is in hysterics."
"Oh! why?" exclaimed Lady Atherley plaintively.
"Because, my lady, Mrs. Mallet has seen the ghost!"
"Because Mrs. Mallet has seen the ghost!" repeated Atherley. "Pray, what is Mrs. Mallet herself doing under the circumstances?"
"She is having some brandy-and-water, Sir George."
"Mrs. Mallet is a sensible woman," said Atherley heartily; "Ann, the kitchen-maid, had better follow her example."