"I've seen the death-light once since, standing over the house; we saw it, too, shinin' out of that room--John and I saw that together. We was so set on findin' out whether it was spirits or not, we mustered up courage to go through the house ag'in the next day, and as sure as you're settin' there, _something_ had been back and laid down on that bed ag'in--something light, that scarcely made a dent--you needn't tell me't was any human mortal, which it wasn't. We've heard children cryin', too, which is an evil omen, the dream-book says; an' to clap the climax, Mr. Redfield, there's no use keepin' it back--_we've seen the ghost_!" I was now as interested as the woman could desire; she had stopped, mysteriously, after making this grave declaration, and sat looking me in the eyes. I returned her gaze with one of silent inquiry, leaning a little forward in my chair. Mrs. Scott smoothed her apron absently, with her large hands, still looking into my eyes, as if she saw the ghost in their distending pupils. I made up my mind that I was going to hear either something of ridiculous shadowyness magnified into an apparition, or something which would give some tangible clue to the mystery, if there was a mystery, of Moreland villa. "You have been fortunate," said I. "What was it like, pray?" "You've noticed there was a little balcony under the windows of Henry's room?" "I know there is such a balcony." "It was there we saw it. You know how bright the nights have been lately, with the full moon and the snow. John and I walked out, night before last, to the front of the villa, to see what we could see--and there it was! It was as light as day, and we both had a good look at it. I don't know how long it might have stayed if I hadn't screamed. John clapped his hand over my mouth to stop me, but he was too late; it sort of riz right up and disappeared." "But what was it like--man, woman, or child?" "It was like a ghost, I tell you," replied the housekeeper, stoutly. "I s'pose sperits are dressed purty much alike in the next world, whether they're men or women. We read in the Bible of the white robes--and I've never heard of a spook that was dressed in any other way. It may have been Henry in his shroud, for all I know--that's what I believe it was--there now!" "Henry was never dressed in a shroud," I answered, gravely; "he was buried in a black-broadcloth suit. So you see that you were not correct there." "Oh, well, Mr. Redfield, we can't understand these things--it isn't given to us. I can tell you what John and I saw, and you can make up your own mind. There was a shape, on the balcony, standing straight up, white all over. A long white garment hung from its head to its feet; its face was turned up to the moon, and its arms were raised as if it prayed. It's eyes was wide open, and it's face as pale as a corpse's. John and I will both make our affydavit to it, in court, if it's necessary." "Where did it go to when it disappeared?"