I don't believe such things; and don't mention it to Mr.Long when he comes.

He's not in the family yet, you know.' 'O no, it cannot refer to him,' said Mrs.Wake musingly.
'Some remote cousin, perhaps,' observed Christine, no less willing to humour her than to get rid of a shapeless dread which the incident had caused in her own mind.

'And--supper is almost ready, Mrs.Wake ?' 'In three-quarters of an hour.' Mrs.Wake left the room, and Christine sat on.

Though it still wanted fifteen minutes to the hour at which Nicholas had promised to be there, she began to grow impatient.

After the accustomed ticking the dead silence was oppressive.