"'You advise well,' said she, faintly. 'I would fain relieve my mind. It is sorely oppressed, for with regard to my property--my--my savings--' "As she spoke there arose, close to us, clear and painfully audible, a low, mocking laugh. It was not akin to mirth. There was no gladness in its tone. It betokened enmity, triumph, scorn. The dying woman heard it, and cowered beneath its influence. An expression of agonizing fear passed over her countenance. Some minutes elapsed before she could sufficiently command herself to speak or even listen. "'Carry out forthwith,' said I, in a tone of resolution I could with difficulty command, 'carry out your present determination. Make restitution to the utmost of your power. Restore all; confess all.' "'I will do so and now,' was her reply. "Again that bitter, scornful, chilling laugh; and closer to us! To no ebullition of any earthly emotion can I compare it. It resembled none. It conveyed scorn, exultation, defiance, hatred. It seemed an uncontrollable burst of triumph over a parting and ruined soul. Again, I gazed steadfastly on the dying woman. A spasm convulsed her countenance. She pointed feebly to some unseen object--unseen at least by me--and clasped her hands with an imploring gesture. Another spasm came on-a second-a third--and all was silence. I was _alone_ with the dead." * * * * * "And you are persuaded that these sounds were real and not fanciful, that imagination had nothing to do with the scene?" said the younger of the three when the aged speaker had concluded. The reply was immediate. "I state simply what I heard; that, and no more. No opportunity for trick existed. The cottage had one door, _and but one_. The dying woman and myself were the only parties within its walls. We were locked in from without: until the attendant returned and unclosed the door there was no possibility of either entering or quitting the dwelling. I was alone with the dead for upward of an hour--no enviable vigil--when it pleased her unfeeling and gossiping retainer to return and release me. Believe it, say you? I do believe it--and most firmly--as fact and not fancy." "And what say you, Major?" pursued the questioner, turning to his military companion.