Such cowardice in you: For Ghosts can visit when they choose, Whereas we Humans ca'n't refuse To grant the interview." He said "A flutter of alarm Is not unnatural, is it? I really feared you meant some harm: But, now I see that you are calm, Let me explain my visit. "Houses are classed, I beg to state, According to the number Of Ghosts that they accommodate: (The Tenant merely counts as weight , With Coals and other lumber). "This is a 'one-ghost' house, and you When you arrived last summer, May have remarked a Spectre who Was doing all that Ghosts can do To welcome the new-comer. "In Villas this is always done — However cheaply rented: For, though of course there's less of fun When there is only room for one, Ghosts have to be contented. "That Spectre left you on the Third — Since then you've not been haunted: For, as he never sent us word, 'Twas quite by accident we heard That any one was wanted. "A Spectre has first choice, by right, In filling up a vacancy; Then Phantom, Goblin, Elf, and Sprite — If all these fail them, they invite The nicest Ghoul that they can see. "The Spectres said the place was low, And that you kept bad wine: So, as a Phantom had to go, And I was first, of course, you know, I couldn't well decline." "No doubt," said I, "they settled who Was fittest to be sent


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