She must be made to see that, despite its unfortunate reputation, no specter had ever visited it; that some purely natural cause was at the bottom of the various manifestations which had successively driven away all previous tenants.
Could I hope to effect this?
It was an undertaking of no small moment.
Had I the necessary judgment?
I doubted it, but my ambition was roused.
While Mr.Steele was devoting himself to the discovery of Mayor and Mrs.Packard's political enemy, I would essay the more difficult task of penetrating the mystery threatening their domestic peace.

I could but fail; a few inquiries would assure me of the folly or the wisdom of my course.
Having reached this point and satisfied myself as to my real duty, I rose to leave my room for another word or two with Ellen.

As I did so my eyes fell on the shade still drawn between me and the next house.

The impulse to raise it was irresistible.

I must see if either of the two old faces still occupied that gable window.