I heard the neighbours talking about this place, and you,
sir, and I made up my mind to come and ask if I mightn't tidy up things
a bit for you, sir. I was a servant, sir, before I married, and I'd be
so thankful."
Well, to cut the affair shorter for the reader than I was able to do for
myself, I gave her half a crown, and told her I would think over her
proposal, and let her hear from me--which I did. I told her she might
come for a couple of hours each morning, and a couple each evening, and
she could bring one of the children with her if she thought she was
likely to find the place lonely.
I would not let her come in the day-time, because, in the quest I
had set myself, it was needful I should feel assured no person could
have an opportunity of elaborating any scheme for frightening me, on
the premises.
"Real ghosts," said I to Mr. Craven, "I do not mind; but the physical
agencies which may produce ghosts, I would rather avoid." Acting on
which principle I always remained in the house while Mrs. Stott--my
charwoman was so named--cleaned, and cooked, and boiled, and put
things straight.
No one can imagine what a revolution this woman effected in my ways and
habits, and in the ways and habits of the Uninhabited House.
Tradesmen called for orders.
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