Suddenly the whole party paused, for something resembling a moan was heard from among the pews in the centre of the church, and every one was anxious to listen for a repetition of the sound.
"Did you hear it?" whispered the secretary.
"In faith, I did," said Mr. Donkin.
"And I," said Sir Richard Blunt.
"And we," said the Lord Mayor, in defiance of grammar. "I—I—feel rather unwell, gentlemen, do you know."
"Hush! let us listen," said the secretary.
They all stood profoundly still for a few minutes, and then, just as they were one and all beginning to think that after all it must be a mere thing of fancy, the same mournful moan came once more upon their ears.
"There can be no mistake," said Sir Richard. "We all hear that; is it not so, gentlemen?"
"Yes—yes!" said everybody.
"I'm getting worser," said the Lord Mayor.