About ten minutes later, the bell rang for tea, and, as Virginia didnot come down, Mrs. Otis sent up one of the footmen to tell her. After alittle time he returned

Virginia made no answer, and the ghost wrung his hands in wild despairas he looked down at her bowed golden head. Suddenly she stood up, verypale, and with a strange light in her eyes. I am not afraid, shesaid firmly, and I will ask the Angel to have mercy on you.

But I don't know what they mean. They mean, he said sadly, that you must weep with mefor my sins, because I have no tears, and pray with me for my my soul,because I have no faith, and then, if you have always been sweet, and good,and gentle, the Angel of Death will have mercy on me. You will see fearfullshapes in darkness, and wicked voices will wisper in your ear, but they willnot harm you, for