Depends on circumstances. "And, though we don't consult 'Mine Host' Before the thing's arranged, Still, if he often quits his post, Or is not a well-mannered Ghost, Then you can have him changed. "But if the host's a man like you — I mean a man of sense; And if the house is not too new — " "Why, what has that ," said I, "to do With Ghost's convenience?" "A new house does not suit, you know — It's such a job to trim it: But, after twenty years or so, The wainscotings begin to go, So twenty is the limit." "To trim" was not a phrase I could Remember having heard: "Perhaps," I said, "you'll be so good As tell me what is understood Exactly by that word?" "It means the loosening all the doors," The Ghost replied, and laughed: "It means the drilling holes by scores In all the skirting-boards and floors, To make a thorough draught. "You'll sometimes find that one or two Are all you really need To let the wind come whistling through — But here there'll be a lot to do!" I faintly gasped "Indeed! "If I 'd been rather later, I'll Be bound," I added, trying (Most unsuccessfully) to smile, "You'd have been busy all this while, Trimming and beautifying?" "Why, no," said he; "perhaps I should Have stayed another minute — But still no Ghost, that's any good, Without an introduction would


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