“We are a good number, however,” cried Frances, taking fast hold of her Lord, who smiled vacantly upon her. “We certainly can match the ghost in point of strength: but it is rather unpleasant to be confined here till the old woman recovers her senses.” Groans most piteous and terrible interrupted this remark—groans uttered as if in the agony of a soul ill at rest. Sophia grasped Sir Everard St. Clare’s hand. Sir Everard looked at Lady Margaret. Lady Margaret disdainfully returned the glance. “I fear not,” she said; “but we will assuredly have this affair examined. I shall speak to my brother the moment I return: there is possibly some evil concealed which requires investigation.” “Hark! I hear a step,” said Frances. “If I were not afraid of seeing a ghost,” cried Lord Trelawney, “faith, I would climb up to that small grated window.” “I fear no ghosts,” replied Count Gondimar, smiling. “The sun has not set, therefore I defy them thus.—Only take care and hold the stool upon the table, that I may not break my neck.” “What do you see?” “A large room lighted by two candles:—would it were but a lamp.” “Truly this is a fair beginning.—What is the matter now?—why what the devil is the matter?—If you come down so precipitately I cannot support you. Help! the Count is literally fainting.” It was true. “A sudden dizziness—a palpitation”—He only uttered these words and fell; a ghastly paleness overspread his face; the cold damps stood upon his forehead. “This is the most unfortunate confirmation of the effects of terror upon an evil conscience,” exclaimed Sir Everard, “that ever I beheld. I’ll be bound there is not an Irish or English man here, that would have been so frightened.” “It’s a dizziness, a mere fainting fit,” said Gondimar, “Let me feel his pulse,” cried Sir Everard. “Well, doctor?” “Well, sir, he has no pulse left:—give him air.” “I am better now,” said Gondimar, with a smile, as he revived. “Was I ill enough for this?”—Sir Everard called in. Lord Trelawney’s curiosity engaged him to climb to the grated window; but the candles had been extinguished, probably, for all beyond the window was utter darkness.