I was so weary with my three days and nights of riding, and so eager besides for a _tête-à-tête_ with Mathilde, that I pleaded fatigue as an undeniable reason for retiring before the games should commence. I hoped that Mathilde alone would attend me. Not so. Mrs. Legare, apparently watching for my withdrawal, joined her daughter and myself as we left the room, and accompanied us to the chamber set apart for my use in the new house. When we had reached this apartment, Mrs. Legare said: "There is no one that sleeps in this house usually. We keep these chambers principally for the use of our guests. No one will occupy any room within it to-night except yourself, unless indeed you feel afraid----" "Afraid?" repeated I, in a tone that quickly called forth an apology. "Oh! I know, my dear Agnes, that you are no coward; but I did not know but that you might feel indisposed to sleep alone in a strange house." "What? when it is a perfectly new house, Mrs. Legare? If, indeed, it were an old-time house, I might be afraid of the traditional ghost," said I, watching in her countenance the effect of my words, and seeing her, to my astonishment, turn pale, and send a quick, significant glance to Mathilde, who averted her head. "Ah!" thought I, "the old house is haunted! Would they would only let me sleep there, where there is some chance of being delightfully frightened." "I was about to say, Agnes, that if you prefer, I will send one of the negro women to sleep on a mattress in your room." "By no means, Mrs. Legare. I shall fall asleep as soon as I touch my pillow, and not wake until morning--so I should not be able to appreciate the benefit of Peggy or Dinah's society." "Very well, my dear, as you please. Here is a bellrope at your bed's head--its wires run into the old house. If you should want anything, ring." I smiled, and assured my hostess that I wanted nothing but sleep. Whereupon she called Mathilde, bade me good-night, and left the room. Turning back, however, she said to me: "Agnes, my dear, lock your chamber door after us." "Yes, madam." "Excuse me, my dear; but young people are forgetful--especially when they are tired and sleepy. I think I should like to hear you lock it, Agnes." There was something in her caution that struck me as very singular--but I laughed and went to the door, and after repeating my good-night, as desired, shut the door in their faces, and locked it. "There! have you heard me lock the door?" I inquired. "Yes, my dear--all right." "And is your mind at rest on that score?" "I am sure that you have attended to my advice. Good night, and happy dreams." "Thanks, and the same good wishes! Good-night!" said I, in conclusion. I listened, and heard them go downstairs, enter the parlor, and fasten the windows, and secure the safety of the fire there--go to the back hall door, and bolt and bar it--and finally go out by the front door, and lock it after them.