The Canterville Ghost

'Yes, Death. Death must be so beautiful. To lie in the soft brown earth, with the grass waving above one's head, and listen to silence. To have no yesterday, and no to-morrow. To forget time, to forgive life, to be at peace. You can help me. You can open for me the portals of Death's house, for Love is always with you, and Love is stronger than Death is.'

Virginia trembled, a cold shudder ran through her, and for a few moments there was silence. She felt as if she was in a terrible dream.

Then the Ghost spoke again, and his voice sounded like the sighing of the wind. `Have you ever read the old prophecy on the library window?'

'Oh, often,' cried the little girl, looking up; 'I know it quite well. It is painted in curious black letters, and it is difficult to read. There are only six lines:'

When a golden girl can win Prayer from the lips of sin, When the barren almond bears And a little child gives away its tears, Then shall all the house be still And peace come to Canterville.

Vocabulary:

Portals: Doors.
Shudder: A large shiver.
Prophecy: A prediction about the future.
Curious: Strange.
Barren: Without fruit.
Almond: A small tree with edible fruit and pink flowers.