Walter thought he had more of the story to tell--something he had not chosen to talk of to the ladies. Sefton stood, and for a few moments there was silence. He seemed to be meditating, yet looked like one who wanted to light his cigar. “Won’t you take a seat?” said Walter. “Thank you!” returned Sefton, and sat on the bed. “I am twenty-seven,” he said at length. “How old are you?” “Twenty-three,” answered Walter. “When I was twenty-three, I knew ever so much more than I do now! I’m not half so sure about things as I was. I wonder if you will find it so!” “I hope I shall--otherwise I sha’n’t have got on.” “Well, now, couldn’t you just--why not?--forestall your experience by making use of mine? I’m talking like a fool, I know, but never mind; it is the more genuine. Look here, Mr. Colman! I like you, and believe you will one day be something more than a gentleman. There, that won’t do! What’s my opinion, good or bad, to you? Listen to me anyhow: you’re on the wrong tack here, old boy!” “I’m sorry I don’t understand you,” said Walter. “Naturally not; how could you? I will explain.” “Please. Don’t mind me. I shall do my best not to be offended.” “That is more than I should have presumed to ask.” Again a brief silence followed. “You heard my story about the ghost?” said Sefton. “I was on the point of asking you if I might tell it in print!” “You may do what you like with it, except the other fellow’s part.” “Thank you. But I wish you would tell me what you meant by that other more fearful--apparition--or what did you call it? Were you alluding to the vampire?” “No. There are live women worse than vampires. Scared as I confess I was, I would rather meet ten such ghosts as I told you of, than another woman such as I mean. I know one, and she’s enough. By the time you had seen ten ghosts you would have got used to them, and found there was no danger from them; but a woman without a soul will devour any number of men. You see she’s all room inside! Look here! I must be open with you: tell me you are not in love with my cousin Lufa, and I will bid you good-night.” “I am so much in love with her, that I dare not think what may come of it,” replied Walter.