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SHADOW LAND OR  LIGHT FROM THE OTHER SIDE by Elisabeth d’Esperance(1897)

… strange to say, I never once in my thoughts associated my shadow friends with the dreaded ghosts. They never inspired me with any fear.  I could meet them at any time of day or night, return their friendly glance as they passed, or gaze curiously at them if they took no notice of me, I was even not afraid of ghosts if I knew these friends were near me. I felt a sense of protection and safety in their presence, and never objected to being left alone in bed without a light when I was conscious that one or more of my shadow friends were in the room.

Many times in later years I have thought it was a strange thing that this apparently unnatural sort of existence did not arouse more curiosity or occasion more comment, but, as I have said my mother's health was not good, and she was busily engaged in cares occasioned by the advent of babies in quick succession.

Meanwhile I was left very much to my own devices and though now a tall slip of a girl, was seldom required to assist in any duties except my daily lessons and perhaps at times some of the needlework of the family.