"Why, the chairs are pushed about as though recently used. There is much less dust on the furniture. And—there's a print—look at the desk, there is a trace of dust on the diary. The blotting paper has been moved lately, some one has been writing there—why, what's wrong with you?"
As he listened to the stout man's remarks the porter grew strangely pale.
"Oh," he stammered, "it's nothing, nothing at all."
"One would say you were afraid."
"Afraid? No, sir. I am not afraid—only——"
"Only what?"
"Well, gentlemen, it is best not to stay here—Lady Beltham is selling the house because it is—haunted!"
Neither of the visitors seemed impressed by the statement of their guide. The elder laughed a jolly laugh.
"Are there ghosts?"
"Why, sir, 'spirits' come here."