"Why, mamma, I do not think that is a good prayer at all! That is a
wicked, proud prayer, Mrs. Marah Rocke! Why shouldn't your daughter
really toil as well as other people's daughters, I'd like to be
informed?" said Clara, mockingly, as they both took their seats at
the table.
"I think, dear Clara, that you must have contracted some of your
eccentric little friend Capitola's ways, from putting on her habit!
I never before saw you in such gay spirits!" said Mrs. Rocke, as she
poured out the coffee.
"Oh, mamma; it is but the glad rebound of the freed bird! I am so
glad to have escaped from that dark prison of the Hidden House and
to be here with you. But tell me, mamma, is my old home occupied?"
"No, my dear; no tenant has been found for it. The property is in
the hands of an agent to let, but the house remains quite vacant and
deserted."
"Why is that?" asked Clara.
"Why, my love, for the strangest reason! The foolish country people
say that since the doctor's death the place has been haunted!"
"Haunted!"
"Yes, my dear, so the foolish people say, and they get wiser ones to
believe them."
"What exactly do they say? I hope--I hope they do not trifle with my
dear father's honored name and memory?"
"Oh, no, my darling! no! but they say that although the house is
quite empty and deserted by the living strange sights and sounds are
heard and seen by passers-by at night.
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