Altogether, if there were spiteful ghosts in the old house that night, eavesdropping upon the woeful comedy, they must have died anew of laughter! Mrs.Vertrees's opportunity occurred the very next afternoon.

Darkness had fallen, and the piano-movers had come.

They were carrying the piano down the front steps, and Mrs.Vertrees was standing in the open doorway behind them, preparing to withdraw, when she heard a sharp exclamation; and Mrs.Roscoe Sheridan, bareheaded, emerged from the shadow into the light of the doorway.
"Good gracious!" she cried.

"It did give me a fright!" "It's Mrs.Sheridan, isn't it ?" Mrs.Vertrees was perplexed by this informal appearance, but she reflected that it might be providential.
"Won't you come in ?" "No.

Oh no, thank you!" Sibyl panted, pressing her hand to her side.
"You don't know what a fright you've given me! And it was nothing but your piano!" She laughed shrilly.