They saw three narrow lancet windows on their
right, but no glimmer came through them.
They came to what had seemed an altar, and such it still seemed. But
on its marble-top lay the dust plainly of an infant--sight sad as
fearful, and full of agonizing suggestion! They turned away, nor
either looked at the other. The awful silence of the place seemed
settling on them like a weight. Donal made haste, nor did Arctura
seem less anxious to leave it.
When they reached the stair, he made her go first: he must be
between her and the terror! As they passed the door on the other
side of the little gallery--down whose spiracle had come no second
breath--Donal said to himself he must question that door, but to
Arctura he said nothing: she had had enough of inquiry for the
moment!
Slowly they ascended to Arctura's chamber. Donal replaced the slab,
and propped it in its position; gathered the plaster into the pail;
replaced the press, and put a screw through the bottom of it into
the floor. Arctura stood and watched him all the time.
"You must leave your room again, my lady!" said Donal.
"I will. I shall speak to mistress Brookes at once."
"Will you tell her all about it?"
"We must talk about that!"
"How will she bear it," thought Donal; "how after such an
experience, can she spend the rest of the day alone? There is all
the long afternoon and evening to be met!"
He gave the last turn to the screw in the floor, and rose.
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