,
annulum hunc, quem nos in tuo nomine benedicimus, ut quae eum gestaverit,
fidelitatem integram suo sponso tenens, in pace et voluntate tua
permaneat atque in mutua charitate semper vivat._"

He was about to return the ring to Luke, when the torch, held by the
knight of Malta, was dashed to the ground by some unseen hand, and
instantly extinguished. The wild pageant vanished as suddenly as the
figures cast by a magic-lantern upon a wall disappear when the glass is
removed. A wild hubbub succeeded. Hoarsely above the clamor arose the
voice of Barbara.

"To the door, quickly!--to the door! Let no one pass, I will find out
the author of this mishap anon. Away!"

She was obeyed. Several of the crew stationed themselves at the door.

"Proceed now with the ceremony," continued Barbara. "By darkness, or by
light, the match shall be completed."

The ring was then placed upon the finger of the bride; and as Luke
touched it, he shuddered. It was cold as that of the corpse which he had
clasped but now. The prayer was said, the blessing given, the marriage
was complete.

Suddenly there issued from the darkness deep dirge-like tones, and a
voice solemnly chanted a strain, which all knew to be the death-song of
their race, hymned by wailing women over an expiring sister. The music
seemed to float in the air.

THE SOUL-BELL

Fast the sand of life is falling,
Fast her latest sigh exhaling,
Fast, fast, is she dying.

With death's chills her limbs are shivering,
With death's gasp the lips are quivering,
Fast her soul away is flying.

O'er the mountain-top it fleeteth,
And the skyey wonders greeteth,
Singing loud as stars it meeteth
On its way.

Hark! the sullen Soul-bell tolling,
Hollowly in echoes rolling,
Seems to say--

"She will ope her eyes--oh, never!
Quenched their dark light--gone for ever!
She is dead."

The marriage group yet lingered near the altar, awaiting, it would seem,
permission from the gipsy queen to quit the cell. Luke stirred not.
Clasped in his own, the cold hand of his bride detained him; and when he
would have moved, her tightened grasp prevented his departure.

Mrs. Mowbray's patience was exhausted by the delay. She was not
altogether free from apprehension. "Why do we linger here?" she
whispered to the priest. "Do you, father, lead t