ood.

Gwen said she would be punctual. Her face was full of mysterious and
subdued pleasure when she looked into the breakfast-room to see if by
any chance Mrs. Dashwood was still there. The girl's fancy was excited
by the Warden's behaviour last night. She kept on thinking of his face
in the lamp light. It looked very severe and yet so gentle. She was
actually falling in love with him, so she said to herself. The Barber's
ghost was no longer alarming, but something to recall with a thrill of
interest, as it led on to the Warden. She was burning to talk about the
Warden. She was so glad she had delivered her letter to the Warden. He
would be simply obliged to speak some time to-day. How exciting! Now,
was Mrs. Dashwood in the breakfast-room? Yes, there she was, standing in
the window with a newspaper in her hand.

"Oh, good morning," said Gwen, brightly. "I must thank you for having
been so awfully sweet to me last night. It was funny, wasn't it, my
getting that fright? I really and truly was frightened, till Dr.
Middleton came up and told me I needn't. Isn't he wonderful?" Here
Gwen's voice sank into a confidential whisper.

Mrs. Dashwood said "Yes" in a lingering voice, and she seemed about to
go.

"I do think he is the nicest man I have ever met," said Gwen hurriedly,
"don't you? But then, of course, I have reason to think so, after last
night. It must have looked queer, I mean to any one merely looking on.
How I _did_ sleep!" Then after a moment she said: "Don't you think he is
very good-looking? Now, do tell me, Mrs. Dashwood! I promise you I won't
repeat it."

"He is a very charming man," said May, "that is obvious."

"Wasn't it silly of me to think of the Barber's ghost--especially as it
only appears when some disaster happens to the Warden? I mean that is
the story. Now the Warden is perfectly well this morning, I
particularly asked, though I knew he would be, of course. Now, if there
had been a real ghost, he ought to die to-day, or perhaps to-morrow.
Isn't it all funny?" Then, as there came another pause, Gwendolen added,
"I suppose it couldn't mean that he might die in a week's time--or six
months perhaps?" and her voice was a little anxious.

"Death isn't the only disaster," said May, "that can happen to a man."

"Don't you think it's about the worst?" said Gwen. "Worse even than
losing lots of money. You see, if you are once dead, there you are! But
I needn't bother--there was no ghost."

"No, th