A relative observed him turn deadly pale, when, all rites being now duly observed, it became the duty of the chief mourner to lower down into the charnel vault, where mouldering coffins showed their tattered velvet and decayed plating, the head of the corpse which was to be their partner in corruption.

He stept to the youth and offered his assistance, which, by a mute motion, Edgar Ravenswood rejected.

Firmly, and without a tear, he performed that last duty.

The stone was laid on the sepulchre, the door of the aisle was locked, and the youth took possession of its massive key.
As the crowd left the chapel, he paused on the steps which led to its Gothic chancel.

"Gentlemen and friends," he said, "you have this day done no common duty to the body of your deceased kinsman.