Creatures of the Night (Boxed Set Edition). Редьярд Джозеф Киплинг

to prepare a chamber for you, and at least to-night, after what has occurred already, I should think we can be under no apprehension."

      "Probably not. But, Henry, if you would allow me to sleep in that room where the portrait hangs of him whom you suppose to be the vampyre, I should prefer it."

      "Prefer it!"

      "Yes; I am not one who courts danger for danger's sake, but I would rather occupy that room, to see if the vampyre, who perhaps has a partiality for it, will pay me a visit."

      "As you please, Charles. You can have the apartment. It is in the same state as when occupied by Flora. Nothing has been, I believe, removed from it."

      "You will let me, then, while I remain here, call it my room?"

      "Assuredly."

      This arrangement was accordingly made to the surprise of all the household, not one of whom would, indeed, have slept, or attempted to sleep there for any amount of reward. But Charles Holland had his own reasons for preferring that chamber, and he was conducted to it in the course of half an hour by Henry, who looked around it with a shudder, as he bade his young friend good night.