ame's up!" exclaimed Dick; "I have done with Rookwood."
And, springing through the panel, he was seen no more.

When the newcomers first looked round, they could perceive only two
figures besides themselves--those of the two lovers--Eleanor having
sunk pale, exhausted, and almost senseless, into the arms of Ranulph.
Presently, however, a ghastly object attracted their attention. All
rushed towards it--all recoiled, as soon as they discovered that it was
the lifeless body of Luke Rookwood. His limbs were stiff, like those of
a corpse which has for hours been such; his eyes protruded from their
sockets; his face was livid and blotched. All bespoke, with terrible
certainty, the efficacy of the poison, and the full accomplishment of
Barbara's revenge.

Handassah was gone. Probably she had escaped ere Turpin fled. At all
events, she was heard of no more at Rookwood.

It required little to recall the senses of Eleanor. Shortly she revived,
and as she gazed around, and became conscious of her escape, she uttered
exclamations of thanksgiving, and sank into the embraces of her brother.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Mowbray and Dr. Small had joined the assemblage.

The worthy doctor had been full of alarm; but his meditated condolences
were now changed to congratulations, as he heard the particulars of the
terrible scene that had occurred, and of Eleanor's singular and almost
providential deliverance.

"After what has befallen, madam," said the doctor to Mrs. Mowbray,
slightly coughing, "you can no longer raise any objection to a certain
union, eh?"

"I will answer for my mother in that particular," said Major Mowbray,
stepping forward.

"She will answer for herself, my son," said Mrs. Mowbray. "The match has
her full and entire consent. But to what am I to attribute the
unexpected happiness of your return?"

"To a chain of singular circumstances," replied the Major, "which I will
hereafter detail to you. Suffice it to say, that but for this
gentleman's fortunate arrival," added he, looking at Titus Tyrconnel,
"at the hut on Thorne Waste, I might have been detained a prisoner,
without _parole_, and, what is worse, without provision perhaps for
days; and to add to my distress, fully acquainted with the meditated
abduction of my sister. It was excessively lucky for me, Mr. Tyrconnel,
that you happened to pass that way, and for poor Paterson likewise."

"Arrah, by my sowl, major, and you may say that with safety; and it was
particula