you will readily see that such a club should be kept very select and none admitted to membership except those who
are unquestionably famous."
"And myriads there be,"
broke in the Ghost of Hamlet's Father,
"whose natural gifts
Are poor to those of mine; and yet they come
With pomp and circumstance to join our ranks."
"I sympathize with you," I said, and sincerely, "for I know how difficult it is to keep undesirable members out of a club and, without question, you two gentlemen are as the most famous ghosts of all time qualified to judge an applicant's claims."
"That is true," said Marley's Ghost; "but though we are the most famed, others also have won lasting recognition. But they are few. It would surprise you to know how few ghosts have become really famous. Of course you understand that when we selected this house and this room for our meeting it was on the supposition that you would spend Hallowe'en in your city home, and this house would be un-occupied."
"It is indeed awkward," said I, "for though I would gladly leave to-morrow, and take my family, yet I can't ask my guests to go away so suddenly. But stay; I have an idea.You don't want this room until midnight. Suppose I have our Hallowe'en sport Hallowe'en morning. Then if I can make everybody go to bed before midnight the coast will be clear for you."
My spectral guests were delighted with this plan, and, as an expression of their gratitude, invited me to be present at the club meeting.
This was exactly what I wanted, and I accepted their invitation with pleasure.
"You are sure you can arrange matters so as to have this room vacated by midnight?" said Marley's Ghost, anxiously.
"I am sure of it," said I, for I resolved that I would do so, even if I were obliged forcibly to eject my guests.
