“ Mrs. Hatch-Mallard has evidently never read Popple’s County History ,” said Mrs. Dole icily, “or she would know that the Cullumpton ghost has a wealth of evidence behind it⁠—”

“Oh, Popple!” exclaimed Mrs. Hatch-Mallard scornfully; “any rubbishy old story is good enough for him. Popple, indeed! Now my uncle’s ghost was seen by a Rural Dean, who was also a Justice of the Peace. I should think that would be good enough testimony for anyone. Mrs. Norbury, I shall take it as a deliberate personal affront if your clairvoyant friend sees any other ghost except that of my uncle.”