augmented when these long-coveted possessions were given to another, and
his ambitious dreams dissipated. Yet was he not without hope that the
succession of the Fitz-Eustace family might be frustrated. The leper
would of necessity be passed over, and, Roger being either dead or in
captivity, the revenues and usurpation of this distant and almost
inaccessible territory might still be enjoyed without molestation or
inquiry. Such were the meditations of this plotting ecclesiastic, as he
knelt before the altar in that solemn hour, in the chapel of "_St
Michael in Castro_."

The walls of the chapel, or rather chantry, were smeared with black; and
in front of the screen were portrayed uncouth representations of the
arms and insignia of the deceased. A pall was thrown over the body, and
a plate of salt, as an emblem of incorruptibility, placed on the
corpse--a heathenish custom borrowed from the Druids. The candles burnt
dimly at the little altar, and the cold and bitter wind threw the
shadows in many a grotesque and startling shape on the dark bare walls
which enclosed them. It was an hour and a scene that superstition might
have chosen for manifesting her power; and many an anxious glance was
thrown towards the dark recesses out of which imagination was ready to
conjure some grim spectre, invested with all the horrors that monkish
legends had created. The priest who officiated was an unbeneficed
clergyman, long known as an inmate of the castle. He was of a quiet and
inoffensive disposition, but much attached to his lord; often during the
service grief stayed his utterance, and he mingled his loud sobs with
those of the surrounding worshippers.

The _dirage_ was concluded, and vespers for the dead were now commencing
with the "_Placebo Domino_." The priest with his loud rich voice sang or
recited the anthem, and the attendants gave the response in a low and
muttering sound. Just as he was beginning the fumigation with a sign of
the cross, to drive away demons and unclean spirits from the body,
suddenly a loud, deep, and startling blast was heard from the horn at
the outer gate. The whole assembly started up from their devotions, and
every eye was turned towards the dean, as though to watch and take the
colour of their proceedings from those of his reverence. He lifted his
eyes from the corpse, which lay with the face and shoulders uncovered;
and, as if startled from some bewildering reverie, cried aloud--

"What untimely v