The ghost spoke not of his relationship with the lady in question, but of his feelings for her. Poetic indeed. And Natty rarely got the chance to speak with such people, living or dead — he relished it.

Though when the question was returned, Natty's heart skipped a beat. He paused, and then looked back at the path behind him, where sat the grave of his long-departed wife. "Yes. Though she's closer to your plane than mine."

Natty returned his eyes to the spirit's. "Do you wish to speak of your maid? I'm a good listener."