CHAPTER XVII.
DISAPPEARED.
Sweeping down from Verner's Pride towards the church at Deerham came the long funeral train--mutes with their plumes and batons, relays of bearers, the bier.

It had been Mr.Verner's express desire that he should be carried to the grave, that no hearse or coaches should be used.
"Bury me quietly; bury me without show," had been his charge.

And yet a show it was, that procession, if only from its length.

Close to the coffin walked the heir, Lionel; Jan and Dr.West came next; Mr.
Bitterworth and Sir Rufus Hautley.

Other gentlemen were there, followers or pall-bearers; the tenants followed; the servants came last.