The Ghost of Guir House

"Do you know, I have been half frightened," said Paul, climbing into

the cart beside her.

"And about what, pray?"

"Absurd nonsense, of course; but the old man who drove the coach

talked the most idiotic stuff when I asked him about your people.

Indeed, from his manner, I believe he was afraid of you."

Miss Guir did not laugh, nor seem in the least surprised. She only

drew a long breath and said: "Very likely!"

"But why should he be?" persisted Henley.

"It does seem strange," said the girl, pathetically, "but many people

are."

"I am sure I should never be afraid of you," added Paul,

confidentially.

"I hope not; and am I anything like what you expected?" she asked

with languid interest.

"Well, hardly--at least, you are better than I expected--I mean that

you are better--looking, you know."

He laughed, but the girl was silent. There was nothing trivial in her

manner, and she drove on for some minutes, devoting herself to the

horse and a careful scrutiny of the road, whose shadows, ruts, and

stones required constant attention. Presently, in an open space,

bathed in a flood of moonlight, she turned toward him and said: "I can not reciprocate, Mr. Henley, by saying that you are better

than I expected, for I expected a great deal; I also expected to like

you immensely."

"Which I hope you will promptly conclude to do," Paul added, with a

twinkle in his eyes, which was lost on his companion, in her endeavor

to urge the horse into a trot.

"No," she presently answered, "I can conclude nothing; for I like you

already, and quite as well as I anticipated."

"I'm awfully glad," said Henley, awkwardly, "and hope I'll answer the

purpose for which I was wanted."

"To be sure you will. Do you think that I should be bringing you back

with me if I were not quite sure of it?"

He had hoped for a different answer--one which might throw some light

upon the situation--but the girl was again quiet and introspective,

without affording the slightest clew to her thoughts. How did it

happen that he had proved so entirely satisfactory? Perhaps, then,

after all, the original Henley was not so important a personage as he

had imagined. But Paul scarcely hoped that his identity would remain

undiscovered after arriving at the young lady's home; then, indeed,

he might expect to be thrown upon his mettle to make things

satisfactory to the Guirs.