elf, I entreat of you, my dear Sir Ranulph," said Dr.
Small, as soon as the service was finished, "and suffer this melancholy
ceremonial to be completed." Saying which, he gently withdrew Ranulph
from his support, and the coffin was lowered into the vault.

Ranulph remained for some time in the extremity of sorrow. When he in
part recovered, the crowd had dispersed, and few persons were remaining
within the church; yet near him stood three apparent loiterers. They
advanced towards him. An exclamation of surprise and joy burst from his
lips.

"Eleanor!"

"Ranulph!"

"Is it possible? Do I indeed behold you, Eleanor?"

No other word was spoken. They rushed into each other's arms. Oh!
sad--sad is the lover's parting--no pang so keen; but if life hath a
zest more exquisite than others--if felicity hath one drop more racy
than the rest in her honeyed cup, it is the happiness enjoyed in such a
union as the present. To say that he was as one raised from the depths
of misery by some angel comforter, were a feeble comparison of the
transport of Ranulph. To paint the thrilling delight of Eleanor--the
trembling tenderness--the fond abandonment which vanquished all her
maiden scruples, would be impossible. Reluctantly yielding--fearing, yet
complying, her lips were sealed in one long, loving kiss, the
sanctifying pledge of their tried affection.

"Eleanor, dear Eleanor," exclaimed Ranulph, "though I hold you within my
arms--though each nerve within my frame assures me of your
presence--though I look into those eyes, which seem fraught with greater
endearment than ever I have known them wear--though I see and feel and
know all this, so sudden, so unlooked for is the happiness, that I could
almost doubt its reality. Say to what blessed circumstance I am indebted
for this unlooked-for happiness."

"We are staying not far hence, with friends, dear Ranulph; and my
mother, hearing of Sir Piers Rookwood's death, and wishing to bury all
animosity with him, resolved to be present at the sad ceremony. We were
told you could not be here."

"And would my presence have prevented your attendance, Eleanor?"

"Not that, dear Ranulph; but----"

"But what?"

At this moment the advance of Mrs. Mowbray offered an interruption to
their further discourse.

"My son and I appear to be secondary in your regards, Sir Ranulph," said
she, gravely.

"_Sir_ Ranulph!" mentally echoed the young man. "What will _she_ think
when she knows that that