nt of the truth or falsehood of it, that
they may know what value to set upon your sagacity hereafter. Let us all
go over that apartment together; and let Joseph be called to attend us
thither."

Oswald offered to call him, but Wenlock stopped him. "No, father," said
he, "you must stay with us; we want your ghostly counsel and advice;
Joseph shall have no private conference with you."

"What mean you," said Oswald, "to insinuate to my lord against me or
Joseph? But your ill-will spares nobody. It will one day be known who is
the disturber of the peace of this family; I wait for that time, and am
silent."

Joseph came; when he was told whither they were going, he looked hard at
Oswald. Wenlock observed them.

"Lead the way, father," said he, "and Joseph shall follow us."

Oswald smiled.

"We will go where Heaven permits us," said he; "alas! the wisdom of man
can neither hasten, nor retard, its decrees."

They followed the father up stairs, and went directly to the haunted
apartment. The Baron unlocked the door; he bid Joseph open the shutters,
and admit the daylight, which had been excluded for many years. They
went over the rooms above stairs, and then descended the staircase, and
through the lower rooms in the same manner. However, they overlooked the
closet, in which the fatal secret was concealed; the door was covered
with tapestry, the same as the room, and united so well that it seemed
but one piece. Wenlock tauntingly desired Father Oswald to introduce
them to the ghost. The father, in reply, asked them where they should
find Edmund. "Do you think," said he, "that he lies hid in my pocket, or
in Joseph's?"

"'Tis no matter," answered he; "thoughts are free."

"My opinion of you, Sir," said Oswald, "is not founded upon thoughts--I
judge of men by their actions,--a rule, I believe, it will not suit you
to be tried by."

"None of your insolent admonitions, father!" returned Wenlock; "this is
neither the time nor the place for them."

"That is truer than you are aware of, sir; I meant not to enter into the
subject just now."

"Be silent," said my Lord.

"I shall enter into this subject with you hereafter--then look you be
prepared for it. In the mean time, do you, Dick Wenlock, answer to my
questions:--Do you think Edmund is concealed in this apartment?"

"No, sir."

"Do you think there is any mystery in it?"

"No, my lord."

"Is it haunted, think you?"

"No, I think not."

"Should you be