MistressAffery，whosefearofthunderandlightningwasonlytobeequalledbyherdreadofthehauntedhousewithaprematureandpreternaturaldarknessinit，stoodundecidedwhethertogoinornot，untilthequestionwassettledforherbythedoorblowinguponherinaviolentgustofwindandshuttingherout。’What’stobedonenow，what’stobedonenow!’criedMistressAffery，wringingherhandsinthislastuneasydreamofall；’whenshe’sallalonebyherselfinside，andcannomorecomedowntoopenitthanthechurchyarddeadthemselves!’
Inthisdilemma，MistressAffery，withherapronasahoodtokeeptherainoff，rancryingupanddownthesolitarypavedenclosureseveraltimes。Whysheshouldthenstoopdownandlookinatthekeyholeofthedoorasifaneyewouldopenit，itwouldbedifficulttosay；butitisnonethelesswhatmostpeoplewouldhavedoneinthesamesituation，anditiswhatshedid。
Fromthispostureshestartedupsuddenly，withahalfscream，feelingsomethingonhershoulder。Itwasthetouchofahand；ofaman’shand。
Themanwasdressedlikeatraveller，inaforagingcapwithfuraboutit，andaheapofcloak。Helookedlikeaforeigner。Hehadaquantityofhairandmoustache——jetblack，exceptattheshaggyends，whereithadatingeofred——andahighhooknose。HelaughedatMistressAffery’sstartandcry；andashelaughed，hismoustachewentupunderhisnose，andhisnosecamedownoverhismoustache。
’What’sthematter？’heaskedinplainEnglish。’Whatareyoufrightenedat？’