The tragedy dates back to the time of Charles I., and is led up to by a pathetic love-story, which I need not give.

Suffice it that for seven days and nights the old steward had been anxiously awaiting the return of his young master and mistress from their honeymoon.

On Christmas eve, after he had gone to bed, there was a great clanging of the door-bell.

Flinging on a dressing-gown, he hastened downstairs.

According to the story, a number of servants watched him, and saw by the light of his candle that his face was an ashy white.