All that Magdalen could
do was to ascertain, by cautious investigation, that Mrs. Wragge had not
been quick enough to identify the supposed ghost with the character
of the old North-country lady in the Entertainment. Having satisfied
herself on this point, she had no resource but to leave the rest to the
natural incapability of retaining impressions--unless those impressions
were perpetually renewed--which was one of the characteristic
infirmities of her companion's weak mind. After fortifying Mrs. Wragge
by reiterated assurances that one appearance (according to all the
laws and regulations of ghosts) meant nothing unless it was immediately
followed by two more--after patiently leading back her attention to the
parcels dropped on the floor and on the stairs--and after promising to
keep the door of communication ajar between the two rooms if Mrs. Wragge
would engage on her side to retire to her own chamber, and to say no
more on the terrible subject of the ghost--Magdalen at last secured the
privilege of reflecting uninterruptedly on the events of that memorable
day.
Two serious consequences had followed her first step forward. Mrs.
Lecount had entrapped her into speaking in her own voice, and accident
had confronted her with Mrs.
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