CHAPTER XXXVIII.
THE EXORCISM.
It was the custom in Raglan to close the gates at eleven o'clock
every morning, and then begin to lay the tables for dinner; nor were
they opened again until the meal was over, and all had dispersed to
their various duties. Upon this occasion directions were given that
the gates should remain closed until the issue of further orders.
There was little talk in the hall during dinner that day, and not
much in the marquis's dining-room.
In the midst of the meal at the housekeeper's table, mistress Amanda
was taken suddenly ill, and nearly fell from her chair. A spoonful
of one of mistress Watson's strong waters revived her, but she was
compelled to leave the room.
When the remains of the dinner had been cleared away, the tables
lifted from the trestles, and all removed, solemn preparations began
to be made in the hall. The dais was covered with crimson cloth, and
chairs were arranged on each side against the wall for the lords and
ladies of the family, while in the wide space between was set the
marquis's chair of state.
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