[The Lancashire Witches by William Harrison Ainsworth]@TWC D-Link book
The Lancashire Witches

CHAPTER V
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After them come the quiristers, and then one carrying the Host, between the incense-bearers.

Next comes a youth holding the bell.

Next are placed the dignitaries of the church, the prior ranking first, and the others standing two and two according to their degrees.

Near the entrance of the refectory, which occupies the whole south side of the quadrangle, stand a band of halberdiers, whose torches cast a ruddy glare on the opposite tower and buttresses of the convent church, revealing the statues not yet plucked from their niches, the crosses on the pinnacles, and the gilt image of Saint Gregory de Northbury, still holding its place over the porch.

Another band are stationed near the mouth of the vaulted passage, under the chapter-house and vestry, whose grey, irregular walls, pierced by numberless richly ornamented windows, and surmounted by small turrets, form a beautiful boundary on the right; while a third party are planted on the left, in the open space, beneath the dormitory, the torchlight flashing ruddily upon the hoary pillars and groined arches sustaining the vast structure above them.
Dolefully sounds the bell.


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