being so happy away from the captain. It's a judgment on me for
having been down at heel in half the shops in London, first with one
shoe and then with the other, all the time I've been out. I'm a sinful
creature. Don't let go of me--whatever you do, my dear, don't let go of
me!" She caught Magdalen fast by the arm and fell into another trembling
fit at the bare idea of being left by herself.

The one remaining chance in such an emergency as this was to submit to
circumstances. Magdalen took Mrs. Wragge to a chair; having first
placed it in such a position as might enable her to turn her back on her
traveling-companion, while she removed the false eyebrows by the help
of a little water. "Wait a minute there," she said, "and try if you can
compose yourself while I bathe my head."

"Compose myself?" repeated Mrs. Wragge. "How am I to compose myself when
my head feels off my shoulders? The worst Buzzing I ever had with the
Cookery-book was nothing to the Buzzing I've got now with the Ghost.
Here's a miserable end to a holiday! You may take me back again, my
dear, whenever you like--I've had enough of it already!"

Having at last succeeded in removing the eyebrows, Magdalen was free to
combat the unfortunate impression produced on her companion's mind by
every weapon of persuasion which her ingenuity could employ.

The attempt proved useless. Mrs. Wragge persisted--on evidence which,
it may be remarked in parenthesis, would have satisfied many wiser
ghost-seers than herself--in believing that she had been supernaturally
favored by a visitor from the world of spirits. All that Magdalen could
do was to ascertain, by cautious investigation, that Mrs. Wragge had not
been quick enough to identify the supposed ghost with the character
of the old North-country lady in the Entertainment. Having satisfied
herself on this point, she had no resource but to leave the rest to the
natural incapability of retaining impressions--unless those impressions
were perpetually renewed--which was one of the characteristic
infirmities of her companion's weak mind. After fortifying Mrs. Wragge
by reiterated assurances that one appearance (according to all the
laws and regulations of ghosts) meant nothing unless it was immediately
followed by two more--after patiently leading back her attention to the
parcels dropped on the floor and on the stairs--and after promising to
keep the door of communication ajar between the two rooms if Mrs. Wragge
wou