that peculiar clear, fresh feeling, so invigorating and
exhilarating, which the air has when a frost has begun? Night after
night, however, passed, and still the frost did not commence; but as the
atmosphere grew colder and colder, everybody believed that their hopes
would not long be delayed. Skates, which had long lain dormant in
tool-chests and cupboards, were got out and polished. Skating shoes or
boots were greased, and straps were repaired. At last Ernest, in high
glee, rushed in among the family circle assembled around the
drawing-room fire one evening, and declared that a right honest frost
had, without the slightest doubt, set in, and that in two days he felt
sure the ice would bear. The anticipation of the pleasure they all so
much enjoyed put them into great spirits; and if either of the younger
ones had been asked what he considered the greatest misfortune that
could happen to the world, he would very likely have replied, a thaw.
When, however, they had exhausted the subject, or at all events the
patience of their hearers, their eldest sister proposed that those who
were not engaged in any manual employment should read or tell a tale.
The proposal was cordially welcomed. Frank gave for his share of the
evening's amusements a further account of his adventures; then a tale
was read; and at last Charles, Ernest's second brother, who had lately
returned from Germany, undertook to give a terrible ghost story which he
had heard in that country, and which, as he said, had the advantage of
being entirely true, though he was not disposed to quarrel with those
who would not believe it.

"Is it an ancient or modern story, Charles?" asked Ernest; "I have no
fancy for modern ghost stories. They all end in so ridiculous a way
that one feels vexed at having taken the trouble of reading them."

"Oh, this is a true antique tale," said Charles; "but you shall hear it.
Is everybody ready to attend? Well, then. Once upon a time--"

"No! no! no! Don't begin a story in that old-fashioned, obsolete way,"
exclaimed Ernest. "I never can fancy that a story is worth hearing when
it begins with `Once upon a time.'"

"Heave ahead! and let us hear what it is about," cried Frank. "Leave
out the `Once upon a time.' We are all ready. Just plunge at once into
the story--don't give us a long-winded prelude, that is all."

"Very well, then; I will leave out the objectionable expression, and
will begin at once by telling you