I am
sure most of the other ladies present, young or middle-aged, were
affected by the circumstances under which these traditions were
heard, no less than by the wild and fantastic character of them.
But with them the impression would die out next morning, when the
bright sun should shine on the frosted boughs, and the rime on the
grass, and the scarlet berries and green spikelets of the holly;
and with me--but, ah! what was to happen ere another day dawn?
Before we had made an end of this talk my father and the other
squires came in, and we ceased our ghost stories, ashamed to speak
of such matters before these new-comers--hard-headed, unimaginative
men, who had no sympathy with idle legends. There was now a stir
and bustle.
Servants were handing round tea and coffee, and other refreshments.
Then there was a little music and singing. I sang a duet with
Reginald, who had a fine voice and good musical skill. I remember
that my singing was much praised, and indeed I was surprised at the
power and pathos of my own voice, doubtless due to my excited
nerves and mind. Then I heard someone say to another that I was by
far the cleverest of the Squire's daughters, as well as the
prettiest.
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