And he sat up , looking drowsily about him . `` Come , come , no tricks , boy . What are you doing , trailing about the house at this hour and in such trim ? '' `` Why , Hester , is it you ? '' he exclaimed with a laugh , as he shook off her grip and looked up at her in surprise . `` Yes , and well it is me . If it had been any of those silly girls , the house would have been roused by this time . What mischief is afoot that you leave your bed and play ghost in this wild fashion ? '' `` Leave my bed ! Why , my good soul , I have n't stirred , but have been dreaming with all my might these two hours . What do you mean , Hester ? '' She told him as she relit her lamp , and stood eyeing him sharply the while . When she finished he was silent a minute , then said , looking half vexed and half ashamed , `` I see how it is , and I 'm glad you alone have found me out . I walk in my sleep sometimes , Hester , that 's the truth . I thought I 'd got over it , but it 's come back , you see , and I 'm sorry for it . Do n't be troubled . I never do any mischief or come to any harm . I just take a quiet promenade and march back to bed again . Did I frighten you ? '' `` Just a trifle , but it 's nothing .
Poor lad , you 'll have to have a bedfellow or be locked up ; it 's dangerous to go roaming about in this way , '' said XXXXX anxiously .
Hester boy fashion ghost harm hour hours house minute mischief