His hands, thrown wildly out, fell to his side. He sank back into the arms of one of those who had hurried from their places at my father’s gesture. A last cry, more awful than anything I have ever heard, woke hideous echoes amongst the wormeaten, black oak beams, and before it had died away, I saw Adelaide Fortress glide like a black wraith from her seat and fall on her knees by the fainting man’s side. My father lifted up his arms, and with a deep, solemn tremor in his tone pronounced the Benediction. Then, with his surplice flying round him, he came swiftly down the aisle between the little crowd of horrified people. They all fell back at his approach. He sank on one knee by the side of the prostrate man and looked steadfastly into his face. The congregation all waited in their places, and Alice, who was only partly aware of what was going on, commenced to play a soft voluntary.
There was some whispering for a moment or two, then they lifted him up and carried the lifeless body out into the open air.
My father followed close behind. For a few minutes there was an uneasy silence. People forgot that the Benediction had been pronounced, and were uncertain whether to go or stay. Then some one made a start, and one by one they got up and left the church.
Lady Naselton paused and sat by my side for a moment. She was trembling all over.
“Do you know who it was?” she whispered.
I shook my head.
“I am not sure. It was a stranger; was it not?”
She shuddered.
“It was either a stranger, or my guest, Mr. Berdenstein. I only caught a glimpse of his face for a moment, and I could not be sure. He looked so horrible.”