But when, towards the commencement of the present century, melodrama was first brought upon the boards, the novels of Mrs.Radcliffe were being dramatised, and such pieces as "The Tale of Mystery," "The Bleeding Nun," and "The Castle Spectre," were obtaining public favour, it was clear that room was being made for the stage ghost; the way was cleared for it to become the be-all and the end-all of the performance, the prominent attraction of the evening.
Here is an extract from Lewis's "Castle Spectre," including certain stage directions, by no means the least important part of the play.
_Enter_ HASSAN, _hastily_.
HASSAN.

My lord, all is lost! Percy has surprised the castle, and speeds this way! OSMOND.

Confusion! Then I must be sudden! Aid me, Hassan! HASSAN _and_ OSMOND _force_ ANGELA _from her father, who suddenly disengages himself from_ MULEY _and_ ALARIC.

OSMOND, _drawing his sword, rushes upon_ REGINALD, _who is disarmed, and beaten upon his knees; when at the moment that_ OSMOND _lifts his arm to stab him,_ EVELINA'S _ghost throws herself between them_.

OSMOND _starts back and drops his sword._ OSMOND.