Dame Vernon was next attacked, and expired six hours after the commencement of the seizure.

Scarcely was Walter upon his feet than Ralph, who had not for a moment left his bedside, was seized, but he too, after being at death's door for some hours, turned the corner.

Lastly Edith sickened.
By this time the scourge had done its worst in the village, and three-fifths of the population had been swept away.

All the male retainers in the castle had died, and the one female who survived was nursing her dying mother in the village.
Edith's attack was a very severe one.

Walter, alone now, for Ralph, although convalescent, had not yet left his bed, sat by his wife's bedside a prey to anxiety and grief; for although she had resisted the first attack she was now, thirty-six hours after it had seized her, fast sinking.