After about half an hour, during which expectation of something
frightful had been growing with every moment, three great knocks
came to the porch door. Mr. Moyle opened it, and in walked lord
Herbert as he had issued, with Tom Fool, in whom the importance had
now at length banished almost every sign of dread, at his heels. He
reascended the dais, bowed once more to his father, spoke a few
words to him in a tone too low to be overheard, and then turning to
the assembly, said with solemn voice and stern countenance:
'The air is clear. The sin of Raglan is purged. Every one to his
place.'
Had not Tom Fool, who had remained by the door, led the way from the
hall, it might have been doubtful when any one would venture to
stir; but, with many a deep-drawn breath and sigh of relief, they
trooped slowly out after him, until the body of the hall was empty.
In their hearts keen curiosity and vague terror contended like fire
and water.
From that hour, while Raglan stood, the face of Amanda Serafina was
no more seen within its walls.
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