Seriously alarmed, I desired the servant to force the door, which was, after several violent efforts, accomplished, and we entered the closet.
Lord Glenfallen was lying on his face upon a sofa.
'Hush!' said I, 'he is asleep.' We paused for a moment.
'He is too still for that,' said my father.
We all of us felt a strong reluctance to approach the figure.
'Edward,' said I, 'try whether your master sleeps.'
The servant approached the sofa where Lord Glenfallen lay. He leant his ear towards the head of the recumbent figure, to ascertain whether the sound of breathing was audible. He turned towards us, and said:
'My lady, you had better not wait here; I am sure he is dead!'
'Let me see the face,' said I, terribly agitated; 'you MAY be mistaken.'
The man then, in obedience to my command, turned the body round, and, gracious God! what a sight met my view. He was, indeed, perfectly dead.