“Then George has his orders to come back and tell me; if there is a light, it is no ghost nor spirit, but some smuggler, or poacher, or vagrant, who is desecrating that sacred place; and I shall turn out with fifty men, and surround the church, and capture the scoundrel, and make an example of him.” Grace turned cold and looked at Mr. Coventry. She surprised a twinkle of satisfaction in his eye. She never forgot it. She sat on thorns, and was so distraite she could hardly answer the simplest question. At last, after an hour of cruel suspense, the servant came in, and said, “George is come back, sir.” “Oh, please let him come in here, and tell us.” “By all means. Send him in.” George appeared, the next moment, in the doorway. “Well?” said Mr. Raby. “Well?” said Grace, pale, but self-possessed. “Well,” said George, sulkily, “it is all a lie. Th' old church is as black as my hat.” “I thought as much,” said Mr. Raby. “There, go and get your supper.” Soon after this Grace went up to bed, and Jael came to her, and they talked by the fire while she was curling her hair. She was in high spirits, and Jael eyed her with wonder and curiosity. “But, miss,” said Jael, “the magpie was right. Oh, the foul bird! That's the only bird that wouldn't go into the ark with Noah and his folk.” “Indeed! I was not aware of the circumstance.” “'Twas so, miss; and I know the reason. A very old woman told me.” “She must have been very old indeed, to be an authority on that subject. Well, what was the reason?” “She liked better to perch on the roof of th' ark, and jabber over the drowning world; that was why. So, ever after that, when a magpie flies across, turn back, or look to meet ill-luck.” “That is to say the worst creatures are stronger than their Creator, and can bring us bad luck against His will. And you call yourself a Christian? Why this is Paganism. They were frightened at ravens, and you at magpies. A fig for your magpies! and another for your Gabriel hounds! God is high above them all.” “Ay, sure; but these are signs of His will. Trouble and all comes from God. And so, whenever you see a magpie, or hear those terrible hounds--” “Then tremble! for it is all to end in a bowl of punch, and a roaring fire; and Mr. Raby, that passes for a Tartar, being so kind to me; and me being in better spirits than I have been for ever so long.” “Oh, miss!”