"Then they are bad spirits."
"That is to say, damned. How do you know that?"
For a minute there was a struggle in the pastor's mind; then he answered, boldly:
"This night I shall keep watch in the castle."
"And if you hear the unearthly noises?"
"Then I shall descend into the vault, and scatter the ghosts with holy water."
The countess's face glowed with fervor as she exclaimed:
"Holy father, I shall accompany you."
"No, countess; no one shall accompany me but my sacristan."
"The sacristan! A man! He shall not put his foot in this house!" cried the countess, excitedly.