[TWO LONE, LORN YOUNG WOMEN]
Ella and Jack eyed each other. Madge took refuge in a chair, conscious of a feeling of irritation at her weakness now that the provocation had passed. Ella regarded her curiously.
"What's the matter with you, Madge? What's happened?"
"It's nothing--only that horrible woman has upset me."
"Who is she? and what's she been doing? and what's she want?"
"I don't know who she is, or what she wants, or anything at all about her. I only know that she's prevented me getting anything for your tea."
"That's all right--we've got something, haven't we, Jack?" Jack waved a parcel. "But whatever did you let such an extraordinary-looking creature into the house for? and whatever did she mean by screaming out that she's a ghost's wife? Is she very mad?"
"I think she is--and I didn't let her in."
Then, while they were preparing tea, the tale was told, or at least a part of it. But even that part was enough to make Jack Martyn grave. As the telling proceeded, he grew graver and graver, until, at the end, he wore a face of portentous gloom. When they seated themselves to the meal he made precisely the remark which they had expected him to make. He rested his hands on his knees, and he solemnly shook his head.
"This comes of your being alone in the house!"