During the years following, Simonides kept her supplied; so she was there now, sole occupant of the great house, which, with all his offers, Gratus had not been able to sell.

The story of its rightful owners sufficed to secure the property from strangers, whether purchasers or mere occupants.

People going to and fro passed it with whispers.
Its reputation was that of a haunted house; derived probably from the infrequent glimpses of poor old Amrah, sometimes on the roof, sometimes in a latticed window.

Certainly no more constant spirit ever abided than she; nor was there ever a tenement so shunned and fitted for ghostly habitation.

Now, if he could get to her, Ben-Hur fancied she could help him to knowledge which, though faint, might yet be serviceable.