“The meeting was to be without seconds, and it was only to end in the death of one or both. When all was settled, Dyvyd Gryphyn set out to return home, arrived only at midnight, strode to his wife’s chamber, dragged her out of bed and thrust her out in the midnight storm to perish on the mountains, as she did, for her body was also found—though, as the birds of prey had been the first to discover it, it was hardly recognizable.” “I have heard that, too!” shuddered Gloria. “I only refer to that in its connection with the duel. The next morning he left home to fight it, although we, at Gryphynshold, had no suspicion of what was afoot. And that night I waited for him as usual when—his spectre came. After the inquest, and the verdict in accordance with the facts, the body of Dyvyd Gryphyn was buried out yonder, as I told you. But his spectre still haunts the place.” “What became of Murdockson?” “He left the neighborhood after the duel, and has never been heard of since. You see, ma’am, there were circumstances of horrible atrocity connected with that affair, which I have not had the courage to tell you yet. I may some time. Ah! here comes Mr. Lindsay.” CHAPTER XXIII WHAT PHILIPPA SAW A horrid spectre rises to my sight, Before my face, plain and palpable. JOANNA BAILLIE. David Lindsay entered the room, with a graver air than usual overshadowing his frank countenance. Mrs. Brent arose and offered him her own chair by the fire. With a gesture, he silently thanked her, and signed that she should resume her seat, while he drew another to the hearth for himself, saying, as he sank into it: “Well, I have been all over this house, from cellar to attic, and I must repeat now from knowledge what I said at first from suspicion, that this place is no home for any lady, and therefore none for you.” “Why?” inquired Gloria, with provoking coolness. “‘Why?’ My dear lady, the answer is in everything around you—in the desolation, the dreariness, the solitude——” “I do not want company,” interrupted Gloria. “In its remoteness from all the life of the world——” “And I do want to be very quiet,” added Gloria. “In its dilapidation and dampness.” “Good fires can rectify the one immediately, and good workmen the other in due time.” “Finally, in the evil reputation of the place,” said the young man, solemnly. “Now, David Lindsay, if you mean the rumors about the house being haunted, that is just what attracts me to it!” said Gloria, archly.