The author has slept in several haunted houses, but has never seen what he was led to expect.
In many instances, as in "The Lady in Black" (infra), a ghost who is a frequent visitor is never seen when people watch for her.

Among the many persons who have had delusions as to the presence of the dead, very few have been hoping, praying for and expecting them.
"I look for ghosts, but none will force Their way to me: 'Tis falsely said That there was ever intercourse Between the living and the dead, For surely then I should have sight Of him I wait for day and night With love and longings infinite." The Affliction of Margaret has been the affliction of most of us.
There are curious historical examples of these appearances of the living.

Goethe declares that he once met himself at a certain place in a certain dress, and several years later found himself there in that costume.

Shelley was seen by his friends at Lerici to pass along a balcony whence there was no exit.

However, he could not be found there.