XIX.--SWOOPING DOWN 188 XX.--THE SEARCH 191 XXI.--SYBIL'S FLIGHT 198 XXII.--THE HAUNTED CHAPEL 207 XXIII.--THE SOLITUDE IS INVADED 218 XXIV.--THE VERDICT AND THE VISITOR 225 XXV.--THE FALL OF THE DUBARRYS 238 XXVI.--THE SPECTRE 250 XXVII.--FEARFUL WAITING 264 XXVIII.--A GHASTLY PROCESSION 273 XXIX.--GHOSTLY AND MYSTERIOUS 292 XXX.--FLIGHT AND PURSUIT 306 XXXI.--THE ARREST 324 XXXII.--A DESPERATE VENTURE 334 XXXIII.--A FATAL CRISIS 344 XXXIV.--THE PURSUIT 354 XXXV.--THE FUGITIVES 363 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CRUEL AS THE GRAVE CHAPTER I. THE BERNERS OF THE BURNING HEARTS. "Their love was like the lava flood That burns in Etna's breast of flame." Near the end of a dark autumn-day, not many years ago, a young couple, returning from their bridal tour arrived by steamer at the old city of Norfolk; and, taking a hack, drove directly to the best inn. They were attended by the gentleman's valet and the lady's maid, and encumbered besides with a great amount of baggage, so that altogether their appearance was so promising that the landlord of the "Anchor" came forward in person to receive them and bow them into the best parlor. The gentleman registered himself and his party as Mr. and Mrs. Lyon Berners, of Black Hall, Virginia, and two servants. "We shall need a private parlor and chamber communicating for our own use, and a couple of bedrooms for our servants," said Mr. Berners, as he handed his hat and cane to the bowing waiter. "They shall be prepared immediately," answered the polite landlord. "We shall remain here only for the night, and go on in the morning, and should like to have two inside and two outside places secured in the Staunton stage-coach for to-morrow." "I will send and take them at once, sir." "Thanks. We should also like tea got ready as soon as possible in our private parlor." "Certainly, sir. What would you like for tea?" "Oh, anything you please, so that it is nice and neatly served," said Mr. Berners, with a slightly impatient wave of his hand as if he would have been rid of his obsequious host.