'That means,' said the ghost sadly, 'that you must weep with me for my sins, because I have no tears, and you must pray with me because I do not believe.'

'And then, if you have always been sweet, good, and gentle, the Angel of Death will have mercy on me. You will see terrible shapes in the darkness, and wicked voices will whisper in your ear. But they cannot harm you, because Hell has no power over a pure little child.'

Virginia did not answer, and the Ghost wrung his hands in wild despair as he looked down at her golden head. Suddenly Virginia stood up.

She was very pale, and there was a strange look in her eyes. 'I am not afraid,' she said firmly, 'and I will ask the Angel to be kind to you.'

The ghost made a small sound of joy as he stood up. He took her hand and bowed over it in an old-fashioned way, and kissed her fingers.

The ghost's own fingers were as cold as ice, and his lips burned like fire. Virginia did not hesitate as he led her across the room, although the evening was growing dark.