The result of this sensible course was that the Lawrences left suddenly, at the end of the year--and the house was pulled down.

Some old political papers of the Great Rebellion, and a monkey's skull, not exhibited to any anatomist, are said to have been discovered under the floor of the lobby, or of one of the rooms.

Mrs.Ricketts adds sadly, "The unbelief of Chancellor Hoadley went nearest my heart," as he had previously a high opinion of her veracity.

The Bishop of St.Asaph was incredulous, "on the ground that such means were unworthy of the Deity to employ".
Probably a modern bishop would say that there were no noises at all, that every one who heard the sounds was under the influence of "suggestion," caused first in Mrs.Ricketts' own mind by vague tales of a gentleman in drab seen by the servants.
The contagion, to be sure, also reached two distinguished captains in the navy, but not till one of them was told about disturbances which had not previously disturbed him.

If this explanation be true, it casts an unusual light on the human imagination.