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Page:More Ghost Stories of an Antiquary.djvu/235

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MR. HUMPHREYS INHERITANCE
225

lovely, I often say. It’s very old-fashioned as it is: and a great deal of shrubbery. There’s an old temple, besides, and a maze.”

“Really? Have you explored it ever?”

“No-o,” said Miss Cooper, drawing in her lips and shaking her head. “I’ve often longed to try, but old Mr. Wilson always kept it locked. He wouldn’t even let Lady Wardrop into it. (She lives near here, at Bentley, you know, and she’s a great gardener, if you like.) That’s why I asked father if he had all the keys.”

“I see. Well, I must evidently look into that, and show you over it when I've learnt the way.”

“Oh, thank you so much, Mr. Humphreys! Now I shall have the laugh of Miss Foster (that’s our rector’s daughter, you know; they’re away on their holiday now—such nice people). We always had a joke between us which should be the first to get into the maze.”

“I think the garden keys must be up at the house,” said Mr. Cooper, who had been looking

over a large bunch. “There is a number there

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