Page:Francesca Carrara 3.pdf/166

Rh shudder ran through the assembly as all looked towards that drear receptacle.

"One moment!" said Lord Avonleigh, in a low hoarse whisper: "that boy perished for my sin,—I feel, I know that his death was a judgment upon me. Let him be the inanimate witness of an atonement that comes too late. Francesca Stukeley, I here entreat your forgiveness of the wrong which I have done you, prompted by my dear love for him who is no more. Cruelly has Providence visited it upon me. In the presence of the dead and the living, I acknowledge you as my only lawful child!"

A murmur of astonishment ran through the chapel. It was hushed instantly, for, at a sign from Lord Avonleigh, the coffin was carried into the vault; and again the voice of the priest was the only sound, breathing the last and solemn benediction of the mournful obsequies.