A dull spark of light woke in its hand , there was a clank of bars , the creak of rusty hinges , then light and figure both seemed swallowed up . Standing in the tomb where the air was close and heavy , the pale glimmer of the lantern showed piles of moldering coffins in the niches , and everywhere lay tokens of decay and death . The man drew his hat lower over his eyes , pulled the muffler closer about his mouth , and surveyed the spot with an undaunted aspect , though the beating of his heart was heard in the deep silence . Nearest the door stood a long casket covered with black velvet and richly decorated with silver ornaments , tarnished now . 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 XXXXX .
Lillian Paul Trevlyn Trevlyns alcove casket clank coffins niches night