2. CHAPTER II.
“Forbear, Selina, said the phantom in a hollow
voice.
“Why should I forbear?” responded Selina haughtily,
as she recovered her courage. “You know the
secret of our race?”
“I do. Understand me—I do not object to the
eccentricities of your youth. I know the fearful fate
which, pursuing you, led you to poison your sister
and drown your lady's maid. I know the awful
doom which I have brought upon this house! But
if you make way with these children—”
“Well,” said the Lady Selina, hastily.
“They will haunt you!”
“Well, I fear them not,” said Selina, drawing her
superb figure to its full height.
“But what place are they to haunt? The ruin is
sacred to your uncle's spirit. Your aunt monopolizes
the park, and, I must be allowed to state, not
unfrequently trespasses upon the grounds of others.
The horsepond is requented by the spirit of your
maid, and your murdered sister walks these corridors.
To be plain, there is no room at Sloperton
Grange for another ghost. I cannot have them
in my room—for you know I don't like children.
Think of this, rash girl, and forbear! Would you,
Selina,” said the phantom mournfully, “would you
force your great-grandfather's spirit to take lodgings
elsewhere?”
Lady Selina's hand trembled; the lighted candle
fell from her nerveless fingers.
“No,” she cried passionately; “Never!” and fell
fainting to the floor.
