Sir Guy as Mr. Edmonstone could be; but made representations to his
master that he must not hunt Deloraine two days in the week, and ride
him to Broadstone two more. Guy then walked to Broadstone; but William
was no better pleased, for he thought the credit of Redclyffe
compromised, and punished him by reporting Deloraine not fit to be used
next hunting day. Mr. Edmonstone perceived that Guy ought to have
another hunter; Philip heard of one for sale, and after due inspection
all admired--even William, who had begun by remarking that there might
be so many screw-looses about a horse, that a man did not know what to
be at with them.

Philip, who was conducting the negotiation, came to dine at Hollywell
to settle the particulars. Guy was in a most eager state; and they and
Mr. Edmonstone talked so long about horses, that they sent Charles to
sleep; his mother began to read, and the two elder girls fell into a
low, mysterious confabulation of their own till they were startled by a
question from Philip as to what could engross them so deeply.

'It was,' said Laura, 'a banshee story in Eveleen de Courcy's last
letter.'

'I never like telling ghost stories to people who don't believe in
them,' half whispered Amabel to her sister.

'Do you believe them?' asked Philip, looking full at her.

'Now I won't have little Amy asked the sort of question she most
dislikes,' interposed Laura; 'I had rather ask if you laugh at us for
thinking many ghost stories inexplicable?'