"There is neither spirit nor flesh in the house at present," she said, "which should not be there. It is now near eleven o'clock, fully bedtime; yet I would rather sit up a little longer, if you do not object, Shirley. Here," she continued, "I have brought the brace of pistols from my uncle's study. You may examine them at your leisure."

"It is now near eleven o'clock," she said on her return, "yet I would rather sit up a little longer, if you do not object, Shirley. I have brought the pistols from my uncle's study."
