ONE winter night, at half-past nine, Cold, tired, and cross, and muddy, I had come home, too late to dine, And supper, with cigars and wine, Was waiting in the study.There was a strangeness in the room, And Something white and wavyWas standing near me in the gloom-I took it for the carpet-broomLeft by that careless slavey.But presently the Thing beganTo shiver and to sneeze: On which I said Come, come, my man!That’s a most inconsiderate plan.Less noise there, if you please! I’ve caught a cold, the Thing replies, Out there upon the landing. I turned to look in some surprise, And there, before my very eyes, A little Ghost was standing!He trembled when he caught my eye, And got behind a chair.5 How came you here, I said, and why?I never saw a thing so shy.Come out! Don’t shiver there! He said I’d gladly tell you how, And also tell you why;But (here he gave a little bow) You’re in so bad a temper now, You’d think it all a lie. And as to being in a fright, Allow me to remarkThat Ghosts have just as good a rightIn every way, to fear the light, As Men to fear the dark. No plea, said I, can well excuseSuch cowardice in you: For Ghosts can visit when they choose, Whereas we Humans ca'n’t refuseTo grant the interview. He said A flutter of alarmIs not unnatural, is it?I really feared you meant some harm: But, now I see that you are calm, Let me explain my visit. Houses are classed, I beg to state, According to the numberOf Ghosts that they accommodate: (The Tenant merely counts as weight, With Coals and other lumber). This is a ‘one-ghost’ house, and youWhen you arrived last summer, May have remarked a Spectre whoWas doing all that Ghosts can doTo welcome the new-comer. In Villas this is always done-However cheaply rented: For, though of course there’s less of fun6When there is only room for one, Ghosts have to be contented. That Spectre left you on the Third-Since then you’ve not been haunted: For, as he never sent us word, ‘Twas quite by accident we hear