Did you ever hear of a certain supernatural being which follows your family, which supernatural being is known by the name of the Black Spectre, or some such denomination which I cannot remember ?" "I don't wish to hear it named," replied his mother, deeply agitated.
"It resembles the Banshee, and never appears to any one of our family except as a precursor of his death by violence." Woodward started for a moment, and could not avoid being struck at the coincidence of the same mission having been assigned to the two spirits, and he reflected, with an impression that was anything but agreeable, upon his damnable suggestion of having had recourse to the vile agency of Caterine Collins in enacting the said Banshee, for the purpose of giving the last fatal blow to the almost dying Alice Goodwin.

He felt, and he had reason to feel, that there was a mystery about the Black Spectre, which, for the life of him, he could not fathom.

He was, however, a firm and resolute man, and after a moment or two's thought he declined to make any further disclosure on the subject, but reverted to the general topic of their conversation.
"Well, mother," said he, "after all, your speculation may not be a bad one; but pray, what is the lady's name ?" "Riddle--Miss Riddle.

She is of the Clan-Riddle family, a close relation to the Nethersides of Middle town." "And a devilish enigmatical name it is," replied her son, "as is that of all her connections." "Yes, but they were always close and prudent people, who kept their opinions to themselves, and wrought their way in the world with great success, and without giving offence to any party.

If you marry her, Harry, I would advise you to enter public life, recommend yourself to the powers that be, and, my word for it, you stand a great chance of having the title of Cockletown revived in your person." "Well, although the title is a ridiculous one, I should have no objection to it, notwithstanding; but there will certainly arise some difficulty when we come to the marriage settlements.