In Ghostly Company by Amyas Northcote

Author:Amyas Northcote [Northcote, Amyas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wordsworth Editions Limited
Published: 2011-10-15T23:00:00+00:00

The Young Lady in Black

The following story is one of actual experience, and while not a tale of horror and woe, like the typical ghost story, still is interesting as opening up for consideration the question whether, after the death of the body, the spirit is able to carry on and bring to a more or less satisfactory conclusion some task commenced in the flesh. While it is certainly very much open to doubt whether for indefinite ages the spirit revisits the scenes of its earthly career and repeats over and over again, frequently for no apparent reason, certain episodes in that career; yet, to those who believe that the body is a mere cloak or garment covering the real man within, it may appear highly credible that the spirit of a human being who has suddenly been cut off in the midst of some special earthly task may be able to revisit this earth, and complete his work.

In a story such as this, it is not opportune to discuss the relations between soul and body, but instances of second sight or the apparition of some person at the moment of his decease to some distant friend are so numerous, and are frequently so well authenticated that it is almost impossible not to believe them.

The following story was told to the present writer in sober earnestness by a man whose integrity is indubitable. That the narrator may have been mistaken is quite possible, but that he firmly believed what he narrated is without question, and if he really is correct in his story, and did not unconsciously add to its marvellous features, after he had learned the truth, it would seem that it is a piece of strong evidence that occasionally the dead, to accomplish some particular end, are permitted to revisit the earth and become visible to some at least of its living inhabitants. Here is the story.

One afternoon I was busily engaged in my studio in London, working at a picture I was very anxious to finish. I had not suffered myself to be disturbed all day and now was feeling rather tired, but very pleased at the rapid progress I was making.

Presently I heard a ring at the door-bell, and after the lapse of a few moments my servant entered. I was annoyed at being disturbed and asked the man rather sharply what he wanted.

‘Sir,’ he replied. ‘There is a lady in the drawing-room who is very anxious to see you. I told her you were engaged, but she would take no excuse and said she must see you.’

‘What is her name, and what does she want?’ I asked. ‘Tell her I am sorry, but I cannot be disturbed without good reason.’

He went away, and in a few minutes returned. ‘The lady won’t give her name, sir,’ he said. ‘As for her business, she says it’s very important, and that you will be glad enough to see her.’

‘Well, show her up.’

The servant again departed, and in a few moments ushered the lady into the studio.

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