Stanford. That eminently nonchalant young Englishman was as cool as the frosty winter night.
"I should think you two might have selected some other apartment in the house for a promenade, and not come interrupting here," he said, advancing. "Miss Rose and I were enjoying the first tete-a-tete we have had since my arrival. But as you are here, Kate, and as I believe we are to dance the German together--"
"And you resign Miss Rose to me?" said Doctor Frank.
"There is no alternative. Take good care of her, and adieu."
He led Kate out of the conservatory. Doctor Frank offered his arm to Rose, still hovering guiltily aloof.
"And I believe you promised to initiate me into the mysteries of the German. Well, do you want me?"
This last was to a man-servant who had entered, and looked as if he had something to say.
"Yes, sir--if you are Doctor Danton."
"I am Doctor Danton. What is it?"
"It"s a servant from the Hall, sir. Captain Danton"s compliments, and would you go there at once?"
Rose gave a little scream, and clutched her companion"s arm.
"Oh, Doctor Frank, can papa be sick?"
"No, Miss," said the man, respectfully, "it"s not your father; it"s the young woman what sews, Thomas says--" hesitating.
"Well," said Doctor Frank, "Thomas says what?"
"Thomas says, sir, she see a ghost!"
"A what?"
"A ghost, sir; that"s what Thomas says," replied the man, with a grin; "and she"s gone off into fainting-fits, and would you return at once, he says. The sleigh is at the door."
"Tell him I will be there immediately."
He turned to Rose, smiling at her blank face.
"What shall I do with you, Mademoiselle? To whom shall I consign you? I must make my adieus to Mrs. Ponsonby and depart."
Rose grasped his arm, and held it tight, her bewildered eyes fixed on his face.
"Seen a ghost!" she repeated blankly. "That is twice! Doctor Frank, is Danton Hall haunted?"
"Yes; haunted by the spirit of mischief in the shape of Rose Danton, nothing worse."
"But this is the second time. There was old Margery, and now Agnes Darling. There must be something in it!"
"Of course there is--an over-excited imagination. Miss Darling has seen a tall tree covered with snow waving in the moonlight, and has gone into fainting fits. Now, my dear Miss, don"t hold me captive any longer; for, trying as it is, I really must leave you."
Rose dropped his arm.
"Yes, go at once. Never mind me; I am going in search of Kate."
It took some time to find Kate. When found, she was dancing with a red-coated officer, and Rose had to wait until the dance was over.
She made her way to her sister"s side immediately. Miss Danton turned to her with a brilliant smile, that faded at the first glance.
"How pale you are, Rose! What is it?"
"Am I pale?" said Rose, carelessly; "the heat, I dare-say. Do you know Doctor Frank has gone?"
"Gone! Where?"
"To the Hall. Papa sent for him."
"Papa? Oh, Rose--"
"There! There is no occasion to be alarmed; papa is well enough; it is Agnes Darling."
"Agnes! What is the matter with Agnes?"
"She has seen a ghost!"
Kate stared--so did the young officer.
"What did you say, Rose?" inquired Kate, wonderingly.
"She--has--seen--a--ghost!" slowly repeated Rose; "as old Margery did before her, you know; and, like Margery, has gone off into fits. Papa sent for Doctor Frank, and he departed half an hour ago."
Slowly out of Kate"s face every trace of colour faded. She rose abruptly, a frightened look in her blue eyes.
"Rose, I must go home--I must see Agnes. Captain Grierson, will you be kind enough to find Mr. Stanford and send him?"
Captain Grierson hastened on his mission. Rose looked at her with wide open eyes.
"Go home--so early! Why, Kate, what are you thinking of?"
"Of Agnes Darling. You can stay, if you like. Sir Ronald is your escort."
"Thank you. A charming escort he is, too--grimmer than old Time in the primer. No; if you leave, so do I."
Mr. Stanford sauntered up while she was speaking, and Rose drew back.
"What is it, Kate? Grierson says you are going home."
Kate"s answer was an explanation. Mr. Reginald Stanford set up an indecorous laugh.
"A ghost! That"s capital! Why did you not tell me before that Danton Hall was haunted, Kate?"