Aurelia signified her scorn by paying no heed to her aunt's departure.
Alone in her dominion, the inheritress entered the death-chamber, and there passed an hour upon her knees.

Whilst she was thus secluded, a pealing storm traversed the sky.

When Aurelia came forth again, her face was wan, tearstained.

She summoned her nurse, and held much talk with her as to the significance of thunder whilst a corpse lay in the house.

The good woman, though she durst not utter all her thoughts, babbled concern, and used the occasion to beseech Aurelia--as she had often done since the death of her Gothic lord--to be reconciled with the true church.
'True church!' exclaimed Aurelia, with sudden passion.