The year was 1877, and a grand manor stood in New Orleans, gracing the shore of the Mississippi River. The antebellum style structure was an imposing figure, becoming of the wealth that resided within. Visitors were welcomed to enter through its gleaming white neoclassical columns. The lawns were expansive and well-tended. Paddle wheelers steamed by, transporting goods upriver. Whispers were spoken by the sailors who worked the river. Whispers of the tragedies the mansion had seen.

But the tragedies were all too easy to forget. By day, life thrived inside and outside the home. By night, the house was alight with activity. The grand ballroom was filled nightly with a who's who of New Orleans elite. Music and laughter echoed out across the moonlit river. Certainly, some thought that perhaps the widow Hightower should still be grieving. The death of a husband, and on their wedding night no less, was a terrible thing. Still, no one was going to turn down an invitation to one of Constance's parties.

And now?

The stately mansion has fallen into disrepair. The graveyard behind the house has grown considerably. Whispers are still spoken. Whispers of how the house isn't as empty as it appears. Late at night, sounds still echo across the river. But no one wants to be near enough to hear them.

Who am I? How do I figure in this sordid affair? Well, that isn't important right now. Let's just say I'm your host. Your ghost host. Sadly, mine is not one of the graves behind the house. But you can find me hanging around the rafters, if you know where to look.

Please forgive my staring, it has been a long time since I've been in the presence of someone in the flesh. Take my hand, allow me to escort you into the boundless realm of the supernatural. But don't let the others frighten you, they tend to get playful when we have visitors.

You could say we've been dying to have you.

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I hope you enjoy Day 2 of Blane's 13 Days of Halloween - Revisited. This was probably my favorite one to write for the first 13 Days. If you missed a day you can find it here.

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