There was some legal trouble, I believe, something about the heirs and
co-heirs; anyhow, the place has been empty for years.
That spoils my ghostliness, I am afraid; but I don t care there is
something strange about the house I can feel it.
I even said so to John one moonlight evening, but he said what I felt
was a draught, and shut the window.
I get unreasonably angry with John sometimes. I m sure I never used to
be so sensitive. I think it is due to this nervous condition.
But John says if I feel so I shall neglect proper self-control; so I
take pains to control myself, before him, at least, and that makes me
very tired.
I don t like our room a bit. I wanted one downstairs that opened on the
piazza and had roses all over the window, and such pretty old-fashioned
chintz hangings! but John would not hear of it.
He said there was only one window and not room for two beds, and no
near room for him if he took another.
He is very careful and loving, and hardly lets me stir without special
direction.
I have a schedule prescription for each hour in the day; he takes all
care from me, and so I feel basely ungrateful not to value it more.
He said we came here solely on my account, that I was to have perfect
rest and all the air I could get. Your exercise depends on your
strength, my dear, said he, and your food somewhat on your appetite;
but air you can absorb all the time. So we took the nursery, at the
top of the house.
It is a big, airy room, the whole floor nearly, with windows that look
all ways, and air and sunshine galore. It was nursery first and then
playground and gymnasium, I should judge; for the windows are barred
for little children, and there are rings and things in the walls.
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