The Canterville Ghost

The second appearance of the ghost was on Sunday night. Shortly after they had gone to bed the Otis family were suddenly alarmed by a fearful crash in the hall. Rushing downstairs, they found that a large suit of old armour had become detached from its stand, and had fallen on the stone floor, while the Canterville ghost was seated in a high-backed chair, rubbing his knees with an expression of acute agony on his face.

The twins, having brought their pea-shooters with them, at once discharged two pellets at him, with that accuracy of aim which can only be attained by long and careful practice on a writing-master, while the United States Minister covered him with his revolver, and called upon him, in accordance with Californian etiquette, to hold up his hands. The ghost leaped up with a wild shriek of rage, and swept through them like a mist, extinguishing Washington Otis's candle as he passed, and so leaving them all in total darkness.

On reaching the top of the staircase he recovered himself, and determined to give his celebrated peal of demonic laughter. This he had on more than one occasion found extremely useful. It was said to have turned Lord Raker's wig grey in a single night, and had certainly made three of Lady Canterville's French governesses give notice before their month was up.

Vocabulary:

Agony: Great pain.
Pea-shooters: Tubes used to blow small missiles through.
Discharged: Fired.
Pellet: Something small and round.
Attained: Done with an effort.
Cover: Here it means 'to point a gun at'.
Etiquette: The correct way to behave.
Shriek: A mixture of a shout and a scream.
Recover: To stop being disorganized.
Peal: A short continuous sound.
Governess: A woman who teaches or looks after children in their homes.
Notice: To say that you want to leave your job.