“It’s only me cousin, sir,” Hannah explained to the ’Squire, when he had questioned her on the subject; “he’s just from Ireland, sir, and it seems like home to see him.”

On the present occasion Tim Flaherty had outstayed his usual time, and was still in the kitchen when Ben reached home.  They did not at first hear him, but when he made his last abortive attempt, and the shoes came clattering down, they could not help hearing.

“What’s that?” asked Hannah, listening attentively.

She went to the door to look out, her cousin following.

There was nothing to be seen.

“Perhaps you was dramin’ Hannah,” said Tim, “more by token, it’s time we was both doin’ that same, so I’ll bid you good-night.”

“Come again soon, Tim,” said Hannah, preparing to close the door.

A new plan of entrance flashed upon Ben.

He quickly put on his shoes and stockings, unfolded the sheet and prepared to enact the part of a ghost once more,—­this time for the special benefit of Hannah.

After fully attiring himself he came to the back door which Hannah had already locked, and tapped three times.

Hannah was engaged in raking out the kitchen fire.

“Sure it’s Tim come back,” thought she, as she went to the door.  “Perhaps he’s forgotten something.”

She opened the door unsuspiciously, fully expecting to see her Irish cousin standing before her.

What was her terror on beholding a white-robed figure, with extended arms.

“Howly virgin, defend me!” she exclaimed, in paralyzing terror, which was increased by a guttural sound which proceeded from the throat of the ghost, who at the same time waved his arms aloft, and made a step towards Hannah.

Hannah, with a wild howl dropped the lamp and fed towards the sitting-room, where ’Squire Newcome was still sitting.

Ben sped upstairs at the top of his speed, dashed into his own chamber, spread the sheet on the bed, and undressed so rapidly that he seemed only to shake his clothes off, and jumped into bed.  He closed his eyes and appeared to be in a profound slumber.

Hannah’s sudden appearance in the sitting-room in such a state naturally astonished the ’Squire.

“What’s the matter?” he demanded of the affrighted servant.

“Oh, sir,” she gasped, “I’m almost kilt entirely.”

“Are you?” said the ’Squire, “you appear to be more frightened than hurt.”

“Yes, sir, shure I am frightened, which indeed I couldn’t help it, sir, for I never saw a ghost before in all my life.”

“A ghost!  What nonsense are you talking, Hannah?”

“Shure it’s not nonsense, for it’s just now that the ghost came to the door, sir, and knocked, and I went to the door thinking it might be me cousin, who’s been passing the evening with me, when I saw a great white ghost, ten foot tall, standing forninst me.”

“Ten feet tall?”