The skeleton's long bony fingers seemed to be trying to grasp an old-fashioned plate and jug that were placed just out of reach. It seemed that the jug had once been filled with water, as it was covered inside with green mould.

There was nothing on the plate except a pile of dust. Virginia knelt down beside the skeleton, and folding her little hands together, began to pray silently.

Meanwhile the others looked in wonder at the terrible tragedy which told them so much about the story of the Canterville ghost.

Suddenly one of the twins exclaimed 'Hallo!'. He had been looking out of the window to try to discover in what wing of the house the room was. 'Hallo! The old withered almond-tree has blossomed. I can see the flowers quite plainly in the moonlight.'

'God has forgiven him,' said Virginia seriously. As she rose to her feet a beautiful light seemed to illuminate her face. 'What an angel you are!' said the young Duke, and he put his arm round her neck, and kissed her.