Page:The Golden Violet.pdf/280

Rh

There is a tradition of such a curse attached to one of the old mansions of the north of England: I am not aware of any cause for the malediction. This will, I trust, be sufficient excuse for placing its origin in a period when such a circumstance was most likely to have taken place; when enough of superstition remained for terror to have produced its fulfilment.

knelt upon the altar steps, but other looks were there Than the calm and inward looks which suit the evening hour of prayer; Many a cheek was deadly pale, while some were flush'd with red, And hurriedly and falteringly the holy words were said.