Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/17

 her was particularly haunted. At first she thought it was imagination; she arose and placed her candle in the chimney; curiosity suspended sorrow—she returned and seated herself at the window, and very soon after she saw a faint glimmering light pass a second time; exceedingly surprised, but not terrified, she continued in her situation; she saw nothing further. She at length determined to go to rest, but with an intention to visit every part of the house the following day. She got into bed, but could not sleep. About twelve o'clock she heard plainly a clanking of chains, which was followed by two or three heavy groans; she started up and listened, it was presently repeated, and seemed to die away by gentle degrees; soon after she heard a violent noise, like two or three doors clapping to with great force. Though unaccustomed to fear, she could not help trembling. She felt some inclination to call up Joseph, she then recollected Albert was in the next room; she knocked at the wainscot and called Albert! No answer was made. She got out of bed, and throwing on a loose gown, took her candle, and, opening the door of the next apartment, went up to the bed; she saw he was buried under the clothes. "Albert, (said she) do not be afraid, 'tis your mistress with a light; he then ventured to raise himself, and though but little inclined to mirth, she could not refrain from smiling at the fright he was in; the drops of perspiration run down his face, his eyes were starting, and he was incapable of speaking for some time. "Pray, Albert (said his lady) have you heard any particular noise?" "Noise, (repeated he) O Lord! all the ghosts have been here together to frighten me" "Here—where, (asked she) in this room?" "I believe so, (he replied;) in this or the next I am sure they were; there was a score or two in chains, then there was groans and cries; but pray, madam, leave the candle a minute at the door, I will throw on my clothes and get down into the kitchen and never come up