descended,
they arrived at another passage. A few paces brought them to the door.
Luke turned the handle, and they stood within the chamber of the dead.

The room which contained the remains of poor Sir Piers was arrayed in
all that mockery of state which, vainly attempting to deride death, is
itself a bitter derision of the living. It was the one devoted to the
principal meals of the day; a strange choice, but convenience had
dictated its adoption by those with whom this part of the ceremonial had
originated, and long custom had rendered its usage, for this purpose,
almost prescriptive. This room, which was of some size, had originally
formed part of the great hall, from which it was divided by a thick
screen of black, lustrously varnished oak, enriched with fanciful
figures carved in bold relief. The walls were panelled with the same
embrowned material, and sustained sundry portraits of the members of the
family, in every possible costume, from the steely gear of Sir Ranulph,
down to the flowing attire of Sir Reginald. Most of the race were ranged
around the room; and, seen in the yellow light shed upon their features
by the flambeaux, they looked like an array of stern and silent
witnesses, gazing upon their departed descendant. The sides of the
chamber were hung with black cloth, and upon a bier in the middle of the
room rested the body. Broad escutcheons, decked out in glowing colors
pompously set forth the heraldic honors of the departed. Tall lights
burned at the head and feet, and fragrant perfumes diffused their odors
from silver censers.

The entrance of Luke and his unwilling companion had been abrupt. The
transition from darkness to the glare of light was almost blinding, and
they had advanced far into the room ere Lady Rookwood perceived a man,
whom she took to be one of the mutes, leaning over the bier. The
coffin-lid was entirely removed, and the person, whose back was towards
them appeared to be wrapped in mournful contemplation of the sad
spectacle before him. Suddenly bursting from Luke's hold, Lady Rookwood
rushed forward with a scream, and touched the man's shoulder. He started
at the summons, and disclosed the features of her son!

Rapidly as her own act, Luke followed. He levelled a pistol at her head,
but his hand dropped to his side as he encountered the glance of
Ranulph. All three seemed paralyzed by surprise. Ranulph, in
astonishment, extended his arm to his mother, who, placing one arm over