We decided to do nothing beyond endeavouring to keep the affair from going further. During the next few days father arranged to have some work done in the gallery which would prevent our sitting there, without raising any suspicions on mamma's or Sophy's part. "And then," said father, "we must see. Possibly this extraordinary influence only makes itself felt periodically." "I am almost certain it is so," said Miss Larpent. "And in this case," he continued, "we may manage to evade it. But I do not feel disposed to continue my tenancy here after three months are over. If once the servants get hold of the story, and they are sure to do so sooner or later, it would be unendurable--the worry and annoyance would do your mother far more harm than any good effect the air and change have had upon her." I was glad to hear this decision. Honestly, I did not feel as if I could stand the strain for long, and it might kill poor little Dormy. But where should we go? Our own home would be quite uninhabitable till the autumn, for extensive alterations and repairs were going on there. I said this to father. "Yes," he agreed, "it is not convenient,"--and he hesitated. "I cannot make it out," he went on, "Miles would have been _sure_ to know if the house had a bad name in any way. I think I will go over and see him to-day, and tell him all about it--at least I shall inquire about some other house in the neighbourhood--and _perhaps_ I will tell him our reason for leaving this." He did so--he went over to Raxtrew that very afternoon, and, as I quite anticipated would be the case, he told me on his return that he had taken both our friends into his confidence. "They are extremely concerned about it," he said, "and very sympathising, though, naturally, inclined to think us a parcel of very weak-minded folk indeed. But I am glad of one thing--the Rectory there, is to be let from the first of July for three months. Miles took me to see it. I think it will do very well--it is quite out of the village, for you really can't call it a town--and a nice little place in its way. Quite modern, and as unghost-like as you could wish, bright and cheery." "And what will mamma think of our leaving so soon?" I asked. But as to this father reassured me. He had already spoken of it to her, and somehow she did not seem disappointed. She had got it into her head that Finster did not suit Dormy, and was quite disposed to think that three months of such strong air were enough at a time. "Then have you decided upon Raxtrew Rectory?" I asked. "I have the refusal of it," said my father. "But you will be almost amused to hear that Miles begged me not to fix absolutely for a few days. He is coming to us to-morrow, to spend the night." "You mean to see for himself?" Father nodded. "Poor Mr. Miles!" I ejaculated. "You won't sit up with him, I hope, father?"