The great door of the church swung open, and the organ pealed forth the "_De profundis_." The aisles were filled with armed men, but a clear space was left for the procession, which presently entered in the same order as before, and moved slowly along the transept.

Those who came first thought it a dream, so strange was it to find themselves once again in the old accustomed church.

The good prior melted into tears.
At length the abbot came.

To him the whole scene appeared like a vision.
The lights streaming from the altar--the incense loading the air--the deep diapasons rolling overhead--the well-known faces of the brethren--the familiar aspect of the sacred edifice--all these filled him with emotions too painful almost for endurance.

It was the last time he should visit this holy place--the last time he should hear those solemn sounds--the last time he should behold those familiar objects--ay, the last! Death could have no pang like this! And with heart wellnigh bursting, and limbs scarcely serving their office, he tottered on.
Another trial awaited him, and one for which he was wholly unprepared.
As he drew near the chancel, he looked down an opening on the right, which seemed purposely preserved by the guard.