صفحة 614 من 896

He had opened, not only the glass window, but the lattice blind

outside it, and he had closed both again, and he shivered through

his frame.

From the streets beyond the high wall and the strong gate, there

came the usual night hum of the city, with now and then an

indescribable ring in it, weird and unearthly, as if some

unwonted sounds of a terrible nature were going up to Heaven.

"Thank God," said Mr. Lorry, clasping his hands, "that no one

near and dear to me is in this dreadful town to-night. May He

have mercy on all who are in danger!"

Soon afterwards, the bell at the great gate sounded, and he

thought, "They have come back!" and sat listening. But, there was

no loud irruption into the courtyard, as he had expected, and he

heard the gate clash again, and all was quiet.