6. CHAPTER VI.
The morning of the seventeenth dawned brightly
over Sloperton. “A fine day for the wedding,” said
the sexton to Swipes, the butler of Sloperton Grange.
The aged retainer shook his head sadly. “Alas!
there's no trusting in signs!” he continued. “Seventy-five
years ago, on a day like this, my young mistress—”
but he was cut short by the appearance of a
stranger.
“I would see Sir Edgardo,” said the new-comer,
impatiently.
The bridegroom, who, with the rest of the wedding-train,
was about stepping into the carriage to proceed
to the parish church, drew the stranger aside.
“It's done!” said the stranger, in a hoarse whisper.
“Ah! and you buried her?”
“With the others!”
“Enough. No more at present. Meet me after
the ceremony, and you shall have your reward.
The stranger shuffled away, and Edgardo returned
to his bride. “A trifling matter of business I had
forgotten, my dear Selina; let us proceed,” and the
young man pressed the timid hand of his blushing
bride as he handed her into the carriage. The cavalcade
rode out of the courtyard. At the same
moment, the deep bell on Guy's Keep tolled ominously.
