Such beggars as occasionally wandered into the square, to the scandal of its inhabitants, camped on the doorstep; and the very door itself presented a battered, dissolute appearance.
Yet, for all its ill looks and disreputable suggestions, those who dwelt in Geneva Square would not have seen it furbished up and occupied for any money.

They spoke about it in whispers, with ostentatious tremblings, and daunted looks, for No.

13 was supposed to be haunted, and had been empty for over twenty years.

By reason of its legend, its loneliness and grim appearance, it was known as the Silent House, and formed quite a feature of the place.

Murder had been done long ago in one of its empty, dusty rooms, and it was since then that the victim walked.