The mission of the elf is now accomplished, his last special service having been to steal the armour of William of Deloraine "while slept the knight," and thus to enable his master to personate that warrior.
It may be remarked that hitherto there is no direct evidence that the Page was sent by Michael Scott. That evidence is reserved for the moment of his final disappearance.
On the same evening, after the celebration of the nuptials, a mysterious and intense blackness enveloped the assembled company in Branksome Hall.
"A secret horror checked the feast,
And chilled the soul of every guest;
Even the high Dame stood half aghast,
She knew some evil in the blast;
The elvish Page fell to the ground,
And, shuddering, muttered, 'Found! found! found!'
XXV.