Кентервільський привид

           Shemadethemeachalowcurtseyastheyalighted, andsaidinaquaint,old-fashionedmanner, "IbidyouwelcometoCantervilleChase." Followingher,theypassedthroughthefineTudorhallintothelibrary, along,lowroom,panelledinblackoak, attheendofwhichwasalargestainedglasswindow. Heretheyfoundtealaidoutforthem, and,aftertakingofftheirwraps, theysatdownandbegantolookround,whileMrs.Umneywaitedonthem. 

           SuddenlyMrs.Otiscaughtsightofadullredstainonthefloor justbythefireplace, and,quiteunconsciousofwhatitreallysignified,saidtoMrs.Umney, "Iamafraidsomethinghasbeenspiltthere." 

           "Yes,madam,"repliedtheoldhousekeeperinalowvoice, "bloodhasbeenspiltonthatspot." 

           "Howhorrid! "criedMrs.Otis; "Idon’tatallcareforblood-stainsinasitting-room. Itmustberemovedatonce." 

           Theoldwomansmiled, andansweredinthesamelow,mysteriousvoice, "ItisthebloodofLadyEleanoredeCanterville, whowasmurderedonthatveryspotbyherownhusband, SirSimondeCanterville, in1575. SirSimonsurvivedhernineyears, anddisappearedsuddenlyunderverymysteriouscircumstances. Hisbodyhasneverbeendiscovered, buthisguiltyspiritstillhauntstheChase. Theblood-stainhasbeenmuchadmiredbytouristsandothers, andcannotberemoved." 

           "Thatisallnonsense," criedWashingtonOtis; "Pinkerton’sChampionStainRemoverandParagonDetergent willcleanitupinnotime," andbeforetheterrifiedhousekeepercouldinterfere, hehadfallenuponhisknees, andwasrapidlyscouringthefloorwithasmallstick ofwhatlookedlikeablackcosmetic.