The Canterville Ghost

Little huntsmen were sewn on the faded green tapestry . They blew their horns and with their tiny hands waved to her to go back. Go back, little Virginia!' they cried, `Go back!' but the Ghost clutched her hand more tightly, and she shut her eyes and did not listen. There were horrible animals with lizard tails carved onto the mantlepiece in the room. They blinked their big eyes and murmured `Beware little Virginia, beware! We may never see you again,' but the Ghost went on more swiftly, and Virginia did not listen to them either.

When they reached the end of the room they stopped, and the Ghost said something which Virginia could not understand. She opened her eyes, and saw the wall slowly fading away like mist, and a great black space in front of her. A cold wind blew round them, and she felt something pulling at her dress. `Quick, quick,' cried the Ghost, `or it will be too late.' A moment later the walls had closed behind them, and the Tapestry Chamber was empty.

About ten minutes afterward, the bell rang for tea. Because Virginia was not there, Mrs. Otis sent one of the footmen to get her. After a while the footman returned. He said that he could not find Virginia anywhere. Because Virginia went out to the garden every evening to get flowers for the dinner-table, Mrs. Otis was not worried. But when six o'clock came, and Virginia did not appear, Mrs Otis became really agitated. She sent the boys out to look for her, while she and Mr. Otis searched every room in the house.

Vocabulary:

Sew: To work with a needle and thread.
Tapestry: Cloth on the wall with pictures sewn into it.
Clutch: Take firmly with your hand.
Carve: Cut out of something solid.
Mantlepiece: The shelf above the fireplace.
Murmur: Say softly.
Fade: Become harder to see.
Footman: A male house servant.
Agitated: Worried and upset