In the midst of this silence, mysterious sounds began to be heard in the bride's chamber: a faint scream; feet rushing across the floor; a sound as of some one sinking heavily on to a chair or couch.
Presently came a swift stamping that told a tale of female passion; and after that confused sounds that could not be interpreted through the ceiling, yet somehow the listeners felt they were unusual. One or two attempted conversation, out of politeness; but it died away—curiosity and uneasiness prevailed.
Lally put his head in at the door, and asked if the carriage was to be packed.
“Of course,” said Coventry; and soon the servants, male and female, were seen taking boxes out from the hall to the carriage.
Jael Dence walked into the room, and went to Mr. Raby.
“The bride desires to see you immediately, sir.”
Raby rose, and followed Jael out.
The next minute a lady's maid came, with a similar message to Dr. Amboyne.
He rose with great alacrity, and followed her.
There was nothing remarkable in the bride's taking private leave of these two valued friends. But somehow the mysterious things that had preceded made the guests look with half-suspicious eyes into every thing; and Coventry's manifest discomfiture, when Dr. Amboyne was sent for, justified this vague sense that there was something strange going on beneath the surface.