The minister had uttered the last solemn words, "earth to earth, dust to dust, ashes to ashes," and the burial service was concluded. Those who felt disposed to do so moved down into the vault to take a last look at Sir Reginald's coffin ere the tomb was closed till another occupant might claim admission. Mr Groocock had been among the first to descend, and remained unwilling to quit the spot. As he stood there he saw the man he had observed among the crowd enter the vault just as the last of the other visitors had left. He did not appear to cast a glance even at Sir Reginald's coffin, but he was seen to stop before three others on the opposite side, not aware apparently that anyone else remained in the vault. The steward could not see his features, but the working of his shoulders showed that he was agitated by some strong feeling. A groan escaped his bosom. "I will have vengeance on your murderer," he muttered. Suddenly turning round as if by a powerful effort, he hastened out of the vault. "This is strange," thought the steward, "what can have made him say that." He was alone. "Good-bye, dear master," he said in a sobbing voice. "I shall not meet your like on earth, but I hope to see you in heaven when my time comes." Before he left the vault he turned to examine the coffins at which the stranger had been gazing. Above one of them was the name of "Ellen Castleton, aged 18." "I cannot make it out," muttered the worthy steward; "it's strange, passing strange," and his thoughts thus set to work, went back to years and events he had well-nigh forgotten. The funeral guests were dispersing with the exception of those of higher position, who had been invited by the young baronet to partake of a breakfast provided at the hall. As Adam and his party were making their way back to Hurlston, Miles Gaffin, mounted on the powerful horse he usually rode, galloped by apparently not observing the suspicious glances which were cast at him as he passed. "The miller looks as if the foul fiend had got possession of him," observed one of the men. "They say he has had dealings with him for long past." "Ay, ay, if it hadn't been for that he would have been in limbo before now for some of the things he has done in his time," observed another. "To my mind, mates, Satan lets them go on in their own way without ever showing himself to them; and as to helping them out of danger, depend on it he would leave them to perish soon enough if he had the power over them," observed Adam. "There is another more powerful than him who looks after human beings; and not one of us, good or bad, can leave this world without He thinks fit. Its only when He knows that the cup of their iniquities is full that He allows even the worst to perish." Sir Ralph remained some time at Texford after his uncle's death, giving directions for certain repairs and alterations which he wished to have executed immediately.