He liked to peep at the pretty garden, to look out for Master Arthur, and to sit in the kitchen and watch the cook, and wonder what she did with all the dishes and bright things that decorated the walls.

To-day all was quite different.

He avoided the gardens, he was afraid of being seen by his teacher, and though cook had an unusual display of pots and pans in operation, he sat in the corner of the kitchen indifferent to everything but the thought of the Yew-lane Ghost.

The dinner for Bessy was put between two saucers, and as cook gave it into his hands she asked kindly after his sister, and added-- "You don't look over-well yourself, lad! What's amiss ?" Bill answered that he was quite well, and hurried out of the house to avoid further inquiries.

He was becoming afraid of everyone! As he passed the garden he thought of the gardener, and wondered if he would help him.