The Trevlyns had been a stalwart race , and the last sleeper brought there had evidently been of goodly stature , for the modern coffin was as ponderous as the great oaken beds where lay the bones of generations . Lifting the lantern , the intruder brushed the dust from the shield-shaped plate , read the name RICHARD TREVLYN and a date , and , as if satisfied , placed a key in the lock , half-raised the lid , and , averting his head that he might not see the ruin seventeen long years had made , he laid his hand on the dead breast and from the folded shroud drew a mildewed paper . One glance sufficed , the casket was relocked , the door rebarred , the light extinguished , and the man vanished like a ghost in the darkness of the wild October night . Chapter VIII WHICH ? `` A Gentleman , my lady . '' Taking a card from the silver salver on which the servant offered it , Lady Trevlyn read , `` Paul Talbot , '' and below the name these penciled words , `` I beseech you to see me . '' Lillian stood beside her and saw the line . Their eyes met , and in the girl 's face was such a sudden glow of hope , and love , and longing , that the mother could not doubt or disappoint her wish . `` I will see him , '' she said . `` Oh , Mamma , how kind you are ! '' cried the girl with a passionate embrace , adding breathlessly , `` He did not ask for me . I can not see him yet . I 'll hide in the alcove , and can appear or run away as I like when we know why he comes . '' They were in the library , for , knowing Lillian 's fondness for the room which held no dark memories for her , my lady conquered her dislike and often sat there . As she spoke , the girl glided into the deep recess of a bay window and drew the heavy curtains just as Paul 's step sounded at the door . Hiding her agitation with a woman 's skill , my lady rose with outstretched hand to welcome him . He bowed but did not take the hand , saying , in a voice of grave respect in which was audible an undertone of strong emotion , `` Pardon me , Lady Trevlyn . Hear what I have to say ; and then if you offer me your hand , I shall gratefully receive it . '' She glanced at him , and saw that he was very pale , that his eye glittered with suppressed excitement , and his whole manner was that of a man who had nerved himself up to the performance of a difficult but intensely interesting task . Fancying these signs of agitation only natural in a young lover coming to woo , my lady smiled , reseated herself , and calmly answered , `` I will listen patiently .
Speak freely , XXXXX , and remember I am an old friend . ''
Paul TREVLYN Talbot Trevlyns alcove casket night shroud undertone years