Ghost Stories [antikvár]

THE DEAD MAN OF VARLEY GRANGEAnonymous, 1878'Hallo, Jack. Where are you going? Are you staying with your parents for Christmas?' Jack Darent and I were in the army together. It was December the 23rd and everyone was going away for the holiday.Jack stood in the doorway, tall and good-looking, laughing at my question. 'Not this year. I've had enough of old aunts and my sister's six children. I'm not a family man like you. By the way, how is your beautiful sister?''She's very well and going to lots of parties,' I answered, smiling.Jack looked a little sad at this. He was in love with my sister and she was in love with him, but they did not have enough money to get married. 'Well, please send her my love,' he said. 'I'm going down to your part of England - Westernshire - for some shooting. Henderson has asked me and some others. We're staying in an old house, where I hear the shooting is very good. Perhaps you know it? It's called Varley Grange.''Varley Grange?' I said. 'Oh no. Jack. You can't go there.''Why not?' he asked, surprised.'I've heard . . . uncomfortable things about that house,' I said, searching for the right words.'Uncomfortable? What do you mean?' laughed Jack.7