"Was—was anything put into the coffin?" he whispered. "Something which
Sir Grenville wished buried with him, something which may have slipped?"
"No."
"I think—I think the coffin should be opened," whispered Dr. Coles, the family physician.
"But he is dead! You know he is dead, doctor!"
"A trance—sometimes a mistake may happen, Sir Arthur. It was a distinct knock. The coffin should certainly be opened."
"And quickly—quickly!"
It was Lady Rusholm who spoke, in a strained and unnatural voice.
Sir Arthur tried to persuade his mother to leave the room while this was done, but she would not go. With a great effort she calmed herself and remained with her son, the doctor, and two or three guests while the coffin was unscrewed. The lid was lifted off, and for a moment no one spoke.
"Empty!" the doctor cried.
As he spoke Lady Rusholm swayed backwards, and would have fallen had not her son caught her.