170 APPENDIX. 



satisfy him, but I perceived by his manner, his coun- 

 tenance, that there was something else, he hesitated to 

 mention .... looking at him I began to think about the 

 ghosts, but I could not believe that such a fine looking 

 man, with such an intelligent appearance could give 

 credence to such silly stories ; but always with hesita- 

 tion he asked if the place was healthy ? if the house 

 was quiet f if no trouble in it ? etc. , then I began 

 to look at him seriously and asked him if he was serious 

 in those declamations, ultra-sensible, not to use any 

 other more appropriate expressions, I went on I told 

 him the place was healthy, at least we had never been 

 sick, that the house was a solid one, well built on solid 

 slate rock, and no trouble anywhere except in the 

 vacuum in our pockets and a well without water, but 

 any quantity of toads .... Well he replied, that's not 

 what I want, I want, then he got a litte more ex- 

 plicit Many folks say that your wife has lost her 



health, etc too silly to be written here. 



Only "the phrase": My wife having lost her 

 health ! I could not very well digest it without burst- 

 ing with laughing, that which I did with all my heart. 

 Then I told him in good humour and with a good deal 

 of compassion. Is it possible, sir ! that an intelligent 

 man as you seem to be should believe in such stupidi- 

 ties . . .my-wife-having-lost-her-health-through-the-me- 



