twenty chairs . Jeffries seated me at a place setting near the far end , and the only other setting was for the master ’ s seat there . At precisely eight P . M ., as the monstrous floor clock chimed the hour , Lord Kettering entered in his evening dress and took his seat . He chatted pleasantries throughout a perfect four-course meal , and precisely one hour later , Jeffries offered us both fine cigars and lit them before exiting .
“ We can retire to the study , if you prefer ,” said Kettering .
I shook my head vigorously . “ This is just fine . Better than fine . Everything has been far better than just fine . Again , I must protest your vacating your own room ...”
“ I ’ ll hear no more of it , my friend . I agreed to be your host and I agreed to answer your questions . I think I can guess the big one .”
16
“ Yes , sir . Is Kettering Hall haunted ?” He did not hesitate . “ Without a doubt .”
I was a little taken aback , though familiar with the rumors . “ You seem a most wise , intelligent and down-toearth nobleman . I doubt you would acquiesce so quickly without solid evidence . Have you seen a ghost or ghosts ?”
“ I have . Though I would hardly call them solid evidence . Of course I am aware that the world at large has never been shown what one would call proof of an apparition . Many claim to believe , while most accept the