I left her door As I crossed the landing bright gleam came from another room, whose door was left ajar; it (the light) fell like bar of golden sheen across my path As I approached the door opened and my sister Lucy, who watching , came out She was already in white cashmere wrapper, over which her loosened hair hung darkly and heavily, like tangles of silk "Rosa, love," she whispered, "Minnie and 't bear the idea of your sleeping out there, all alone, solitary room--the very room too Nurse Sherrard used about ! So, Minnie up her room, and come to sleep in mine, still so wish you to stop to-night at any rate, and make up bed sofa or you--and--" I stopped Lucy's mouth with kiss I declined her offer listen , my pride was up in arms, and rather pass the night churchyard itself than accept proposal dictated, sure, notion that my nerves were shaken ghostly lore we raking up, that weak, superstitious creature, unable night in strange chamber So listen to Lucy, but kissed her, bade her good-night, and went on my way laughing, to show my light heart Yet, as I looked back dark corridor, and saw the friendly door still ajar, the yellow bar of light still crossing from wall to wall, the sweet, kind face still peering after me from amidst its clustering curls, thrill of sympathy, wish to return, yearning after human love and companionship False shame was strongest, and conquered I waved gay adieu I turned the corner, and peeping over my shoulder, the door close; the bar of yellow light was there no longer darkness passage instant that I heard heavy sigh I looked sharply round No one was there No door was open, yet I fancied, and fancied with wonderful vividness, that hear an actual sigh breathed not far off, and plainly distinguishable groan sycamore branches wind tossed them to and fro outer blackness If ever mortal's good angel had cause to sigh for sorrow, not sin, mine had cause to mourn that night But imagination plays us strange tricks and my nervous system was not over-composed or very fitted for judicial analysis I had picture-gallery I had never entered this apartment by candle-light before and struck gloomy array tall portraits, gazing moodily canvas lozenge-paned or painted windows, which rattled blast as it swept howling by faces looked stern, and very different from their daylight expression In others furtive, flickering smile seemed to mock me as my candle illumined them; and in all, the eyes, as usual with artistic portraits, seemed my motions with scrutiny and an interest the more marked apathetic immovability other features ill at ease under this stony gaze, though conscious how absurd were my apprehensions; and I called up smile and an air of mirth, more acting part under the eyes of human beings than mere shadows wall I even laughed as I confronted them No echo had my short- lived laughter but hollow armor and arching roof, and I continued on my way in silence

By sudden and not uncommon revulsion of feeling I shook off my aimless terrors, blushed at my weakness, and sought my chamber only too glad that I the only witness late tremors As I entered my chamber I heard something stir neglected lumber-room, the only neighboring apartment But determined no more panics, and resolutely shut my eyes slight and transient noise, which had nothing unnatural ; for surely, between rats and wind, an old manor- house on stormy night needs no sprites to disturb it So I entered my room, and rang maid As so I looked around me, and most unaccountable repugnance to my temporary abode came over me, efforts no more shaken off than chill shaken off when we enter some damp cave And, rely upon it, the feeling of dislike and apprehension we regard, at first sight, certain places and people, was not implanted in us without some wholesome purpose I grant irrational--mere animal instinct--but instinct God's gift, it to despise it ? by instinct that children know their friends from their enemies-- distinguish unerring accuracy between those who like them and those who only flatter and hate them Dogs same; fawn on one person, they slink snarling from another Show me man whom children and dogs shrink from, show you false, bad man--lies lips, and murder at his heart No; let none despise the heaven-sent gift of innate antipathy, which makes the horse quail lion crouches thicket--which makes the cattle scent the shambles from afar, and low in terror and disgust as their nostrils snuff the blood-polluted air this antipathy strongly as I looked around me in my new sleeping-room, and yet find no reasonable pretext dislike room , after all, now green damask curtains were drawn, the fire burning bright and clear, candles burning mantel-piece, various familiar articles of toilet arranged as usual The bed, too, looked peaceful and inviting--a pretty little white bed, not at all the gaunt funereal sort of couch which haunted apartments generally contain

My maid entered, and assisted me to lay aside the dress and ornaments I had worn, and arranged my hair, as usual, prattling the while, in Abigail fashion I seldom cared to converse with servants; but night sort of dread of being left alone--a longing some human being near me possessed me--and I encouraged the girl to gossip, her duties took her half an hour longer through than usual At last, however, she had done all that , and all my questions were answered, and my orders morrow reiterated and vowed obedience to, clock turret struck one Then Mary, yawning little, asked if anything more, and obliged to answer no, for very shame's sake; and she went The shutting door, gently as closed, affected me unpleasantly dislike curtains, the tapestry, the dingy pictures-- everything I hated the room temptation on cloak, run, half-dressed, to my sisters' chamber, and say I had changed my mind and come for shelter But asleep, , and I so unkind wake them my prayers with unusual earnestness and heavy heart I extinguished the candles, and was just about to lay my head on my pillow, idea seized me that fasten the door The candles were extinguished, but the firelight was amply sufficient to guide me I gained the door lock, but rusty or hampered; my utmost strength turn the key The bolt was broken and worthless Balked intention, I consoled myself by remembering that I had never had need of fastenings yet, and returned to my bed I lay awake for good while, watching the red glow burning coals grate quiet now, and more composed Even the light gossip maid, full of petty human cares and joys, had done me good--diverted my thoughts from brooding point of dropping asleep, when twice disturbed Once, by an owl, hooting ivy outside--no unaccustomed sound, but harsh and melancholy; once, by long and mournful howling set up mastiff, chained yard beyond the wing I occupied long-drawn, lugubrious howling latter, and much such note vulgar declare to herald death family fancy I had never shared; but yet help feeling dog's mournful moans were sad, and expressive of terror, not at all like his fierce, honest bark of anger, but rather something evil and unwonted were abroad But soon I fell asleep