`` But such a hideous grin , '' added he , `` was never seen on the face of mortal man , black or white . It will haunt me till my dying-day . '' Meantime , the coach had wheeled round with a prodigious clatter on the pavement and rumbled up the street , disappearing in the twilight , while the ear still tracked its course . Scarcely was it gone when the people began to question whether the coach and attendants , the ancient lady , the spectre of old Cæsar and the Old Maid herself were not all a strangely-combined delusion with some dark purport in its mystery . The whole town was astir , so that , instead of dispersing , the crowd continually increased , and stood gazing up at the windows of the mansion , now silvered by the brightening moon . The elders , glad to indulge the narrative propensity of age , told of the long-faded splendor of the family , the entertainments they had given and the guests , the greatest of the land , and even titled and noble ones from abroad , who had passed beneath that portal . These graphic reminiscences seemed to call up the ghosts of those to whom they referred . So strong was the impression on some of the more imaginative hearers that two or three were seized with trembling fits at one and the same moment , protesting that they had distinctly heard three other raps of the iron knocker . `` Impossible ! '' exclaimed others . `` See ! The moon shines beneath the porch , and shows every part of it except in the narrow shade of that pillar . There is no one there . '' `` Did not the door open ? '' whispered one of these fanciful persons . `` Didst thou see it too ? '' said his companion , in a startled tone . But the general sentiment was opposed to the idea that a third visitant had made application at the door of the deserted house . A few , however , adhered to this new marvel , and even declared that a red gleam like that of a torch had shone through the great front window , as if the negro were lighting a guest up the staircase . This too was pronounced a mere fantasy .
But at once the whole multitude started , and each man beheld his own terror painted XXXXX the faces of all the rest .
at in like of on that through till while with