Whilst some were assisting the Count, the rest had been vainly endeavouring to open the door. A key was now heard on the outside; and the solemn boy entering, said to Lady Margaret, “I am come to tell your honour, that our dame being taken with the qualms and stericks, is no ways able of shewing you any further into the Priory.” “I trust, however, that you will immediately shew us out of it, Sir,” said Gondimar. “It not being her fault, but her extrame weakness,” continued the boy: “she desires me to hope your honours will excuse her.” “We will certainly excuse her; but,” added Lady Margaret, “I must insist upon knowing from her, or from some of you, the cause of the groans we heard, and what all those absurd stories of ghosts can arise from. I shall send an order for the house to undergo an immediate examination, so you had better tell all you know.” “Then, indeed, there be no mischief in them groans,” said the boy, who appeared indifferent whether the house were examined or not. “It’s only that gentleman as howls so, who makes them queer noises. I thought ye’d heard something stranger than that. There be more singular noises than he makes, many’s the time.” “Sirrah, inform me who inhabits this d——d Priory?” said Count Gondimar. “What, you’re recovered from your qualms and stericks, I perceive, though the old dame is so ill with them?” “No jesting, Sir Everard. I must sift this affair to the bottom. Come, Sir, answer straightly, who inhabits this Priory?” “Sure, Sir, indeed none as can get a bed in the Abbey,” “You evade, young one: you evade my enquiry: to the point; be plain.” “That he can’t help being,” said Lord Trelawney. “Proceed, Sir, lead us as fast as possible out of these cold damp galleries; but talk as you go.” “Like the cuckoo.” “Lord Trelawney, your jests are mighty pleasant; but I have peculiar reasons for my enquiries.” “And I for my jokes.” “Come, Sirrah, proceed: I shall say no more at present.” “Do you like being here?” said Lady Trelawney, taking up the question. “Well enough,” returned the stupid boy. “I hear,” continued Frances, “there are some who play upon the harp in the night, and sing so, that the country people round, say they are spell-bound.” “Oh musha! there be strange things heard in these here old houses: one must not always believe all one hears.”