such an attitude of fear, as excited a degree of it in the
Baron. He pointed to Wenlock, who was with some difficulty recovered
from the fit he was fallen into; the servant was terrified, he rung the
alarm-bell; the servants came running from all parts to their Lord's
apartment; The young gentlemen came likewise, and presently all was
confusion, and the terror was universal. Oswald, who guessed the
business, was the only one that could question them. He asked several
times,

"What is the matter?"

Markham, at last, answered him, "We have seen the ghost!"

All regard to secrecy was now at an end; the echo ran through the whole
family--"They have seen the ghost!"

The Baron desired Oswald to talk to the young men, and endeavour to
quiet the disturbance. He came forward; he comforted some, he rebuked
others; he had the servants retire into the outward room. The Baron,
with his sons and kinsmen, remained in the bed-chamber.

"It is very unfortunate," said Oswald, "that this affair should be made
so public; surely these young men might have related what they had seen,
without alarming the whole family. I am very much concerned upon my
lord's account."

"I thank you, father," said the Baron; "but prudence was quite
overthrown here. Wenlock was half dead, and Markham half distracted; the
family were alarmed without my being able to prevent it. But let us hear
what these poor terrified creatures say."

Oswald demanded, "What have you seen, gentlemen?"

"The ghost!" said Markham.

"In what form did it appear?"

"A man in armour."

"Did it speak to you?"

"No."

"What did it do to terrify you so much?"

"It stood at the farthest door, and pointed to the outward door, as if
to have us leave the room; we did not wait for a second notice, but came
away as fast as we could."

"Did it follow you?"

"No."

"Then you need not have raised such a disturbance."

Wenlock lifted up his head, and spoke--

"I believe, father, if you had been with us, you would not have stood
upon ceremonies any more than we did. I wish my lord would send you to
parley with the ghost; for, without doubt, you are better qualified than
we."

"My Lord," said Oswald, "I will go thither, with your permission; I will
see that every thing is safe, and bring the key back to you; Perhaps
this may help to dispel the fears that have been raised--at least, I
will try to do it."

"I thank you, father, for your good offices--do as you please."