Of course he had
adduced all that he knew of his domestic haunted chamber, but had
found himself uncertain as to the amount of direct or trustworthy
evidence. So he eagerly read our jottings, and was very anxious to
keep watch with Clarence, though there were greater difficulties in
the way than when the outer chamber was Griffith's sitting-room, and
always had a fire lighted.
To our disappointment, likewise, there came an invitation from the
Eastwoods for the evening of the 27th of December, the second of the
recurring days of the phantom's appearance. My father could not,
and my mother would not go, but they so much wanted my brothers and
sister to accept it that it could not well be declined. It was
partly a political affair, and my father was anxious to put Clarence
forward, and make him take his place as the future squire; and my
mother thought depression had lasted long enough with her children,
and did not like to see Martyn so grave and preoccupied. 'It was
quite right and very nice in him, dear boy, but it was not natural
at his age, though he was to be a clergyman.'
As to Emily, her gentle cheerfulness had helped us all through our
time of sorrow, and just now we had been gratified by the tidings of
young Lawrence Frith. That youth was doing extremely well. There
had been golden reports from manager and chaplain, addressed to Mr.
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