Dispute Over Ghost Beliefs
Pressed for her own private fear, Mrs Forrester solemnly whispers “Ghosts!” and defends them as part of her religion, citing her status as a major’s widow. Miss Pole attacks this belief with talk of indigestion, spectral and optical illusions, and references to Dr Ferrier and Dr Hibbert. Miss Matty quietly supports Mrs Forrester, and the dispute cannot be softened even when the mulled elder-wine is served, leaving a lasting difference between hostess and guest.
Jenny’s Account of the Headless Lady
Jenny, the little servant carrying in the elder-wine, is drawn into the debate and insists she saw a ghostly headless lady dressed all in white in Darkness Lane, wringing her hands in grief. The narrator notes Jenny’s position resembles that of a witness being cross-examined, and concludes she truly saw something her indigestion could not account for. Mrs Forrester takes quiet triumph in Jenny’s account, but the narrator reflects that she herself will soon have to pass through that very lane on the way home.
Return Journey via Headingley Causeway
The friends preserve a funereal silence as they dress for the journey home, fearing lest they offend the headless lady’s wandering ghost. Miss Matty draws the sedan curtains, and the chairmen set off so swiftly downhill that Miss Pole can only gasp “Don’t leave me!” and clutch the narrator’s arm. The women bribe the men with extra coins to take the muddier but safer route along Headingley Causeway, and although progress is slower in the thick mud, all eventually make it safely back to Cranford.
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