EFFIE 65 



Well, now, just say the word and I'll get you some 

 tea. Or would you like coffee? Well, ^vell. Say 

 ' when,' Mr Dashwood." 



" I like this room," said Miss Grimshaw, looking 

 round at the books and the oak panelling. " It's 

 so cosy, and yet so ghosty. Have you a ghost? " 



" A which? — I beg your pardon," said Mr 

 French, pausing in his operations with a soda- 

 water syphon. 



"A ghost!" ' 



" I believe there's an old woman without a head 

 walks in the top corridor by the servants' bed- 

 rooms. At least that's the story, but it's all 

 nonsense, though it does to frighten the girls with 

 and get them to bed early. Who's that? " 



" If you plaze, sir," said Norah, speaking 

 through the half -open door, " Miss Effie's back 

 from her drive and upstairs, and she's wild to see 

 the young lady." 



" That's me, I suppose," said Miss Grimshaw. 

 " I'll go up if I may." 



" Sure, with pleasure," said Mr French, holding 

 the door open for her with all the grace of a 

 Brummell, whilst the girl passed out. 



Then he closed the door, waited till she was well 

 out of earshot, and then, sitting down in an arm- 

 chair, he " rocked and roared " with laughter. 



" Don't speak to me," said he, though Mr 

 Dashwood had not said a word. " Did you see 

 me trying to keep my face? Sure, man, she's the 

 governess, and I thought it was an old lady in 



