It was a dark and sombre edifice, in the Egyptian style, now darker and more sombre in the gloom of evening and the shadows of surrounding trees. The door was open. As they entered, two figures advanced from the shadows of the trees. One of these wore a white surplice; the other was undistinguishable in the gloom, save that his stature was that of a tall, large man.
"The clergyman and the--witness," said Dudleigh, in a tremulous whisper.
As these two entered, one of them closed the door. The dull creaking of the hinges grated harshly on Edith's ears, and struck fresh horror to her heart. She faltered and trembled. She sank back.
"Courage, dear one; it will soon be over," whispered Dudleigh, in an agitated voice.
Edith made a violent effort to regain her composure. But she felt helpless. Her senses seemed leaving her; her heart throbbed still more painfully; her brain whirled. She clung to Dudleigh. But as she clung to him she felt that he trembled as violently as she herself did. This made her feel calmer. She pitied him. Poor fellow, she thought, he sees my agitation. He thinks I hate him. He is broken-hearted. I must be calmer for his sake.
"Where are the lights?" asked the clergyman.
"Well, it won't do to have lights," said he, in the same agitated voice. "I--I explained all that. The light will show through the window. We must go down into the vaults."
Outside, it was very obscure; inside, it was quite dark. Edit could see the outline of a large window and the white sheen of the clergyman's surplice; nothing more was visible.
The clergyman stood waiting. Dudleigh went to the witness and conversed with him in a low whisper.
"The witness," said Dudleigh, as he came back, "forgot to bring lights. I have none. Have you any?"
"I should say," remarked the clergyman, "that since we have no lights, it is far better for us to remain where we are."
"Isn't it a little too dark here?" asked Dudleigh, tremulously.
"It certainly is rather dark," said the clergyman, "but I suppose it can't be helped, and it need not make any difference. There is a witness who has seen the parties, and as you say secrecy is needed, why, this darkness may be all the more favorable. But it is no concern of mine. Only I should think it equally safe, and a great deal pleasanter, to have the ceremony here than down in the vaults."