A murmur of prayer rose trembling. The shock had been too great. The strain was yet too great.
And then again the signals changed. All danger was over. The strangers were gone on their way.
And yet the people waited, only whispering their thanksgiving.
Soon came the signal that all was well, and Elena at the Pines ready to enter.
Then the bells were rung and they sang “Te Deum.”
But no one went indoors. Not till Elena had come, till all was explained, could they think of anything else.
The messenger from the castle arrived with his story, and the cards of their visitors.
“Don Claudio Loredan!” exclaimed Tacita, looking at her husband.
CHAPTER XXXI.
“Is it our business if there should be something concealed?” the German asked when called upon to help pry the masked door open. “The house is not ours.”