"He has plenty of wits, Miss Carnforth, and he'd take some scaring, I think. But if a real phantasm came, he'd know it, and he'd acknowledge it, I'm sure. He strikes me as an honourable man, and a decent, straightforward sort." "If he is," and Eve ruminated, "perhaps he can help us to investigate----" "That's what he's here for." "I mean investigate _our_ beliefs. If he could be convinced, as we are, of the existence of phantoms, and of their visitations, he'd be a splendid help, wouldn't he? Perhaps I am in wrong in disliking him." "You're certainly premature. Why, not one man out of a thousand does believe in the occult. And not one in a million detectives, I daresay." Meantime, Braye and Norma were talking in like vein. "I do believe it was a spirit that killed our dear Vernie, and Mr. Bruce," Norma declared, "but if Mr. Wise can prove the contrary, we want him to do so, don't we, Rudolph?" "Of course, Norma, we all feel that way. I, especially, for as heir to Uncle Gif's money, I'm in a peculiar position. But if anybody can get at the truth, this Wise person can. He's a live wire, I can see that." "Shall we help him, Rudolph, or hold back and let him work alone?" "Help him, of course! Why not? But, be careful that it is help we offer him, and not merely stupid interference." "What do you mean by that?" "Nothing particular; but some of us are inclined to be a bit officious, and--oh, I don't know, Norma,--I don't want to say anything--even to you. Let's talk of pleasanter subjects." "What, for instance?" "You, for instance! You're enchanting to-day, in that pale blue gown. It makes you look like an angel." "Do they wear pale blue?" "I don't know what they wear, and shan't care until you really are one, and then, I hope I'll be one, too. But you look like an angel, because of your angelic face. It's like a roseleaf washed in sunlight----" "Now, Rudolph, don't try to be poetical! You can't hit it off! A washed face is remindful of a soap advertisement,--not an angel!" "Rogue! You love to make fun of me! But I don't mind. Oh, Norma, I don't care what you say to me, if you'll only say yes. Won't you, dearest?" "Bad boy! Behave yourself! I told you not to ask _any_ question until we get away from this place. I won't listen to love talk at Black Aspens! It's out of the picture!" "But will you, as soon as we get back to New York? Will you, Norma--darling?" "Wait till then, and we'll see," was all the answer he could get. CHAPTER XIV Zizi "Where is she?" Milly asked of Hester, as, more out of curiosity than hospitality she went to the kitchen.