 Chapter four book five of Rookwood. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Paul Curran. Rookwood by William Harrison Ainsworth. Book five chapter four The Dower of Sybil. Card. Now though art come. Thou looks ghastly. There sits in thy face some great determination mixed with some fear. Boss. Thus it lightens into action. I am come to kill thee. Duchess of Malfi. Ranoff Rookwood was for some moments so much stunned by the ghastly fate of Agnes connected as it appeared to be with a supernatural summons similar to that which he imagined he had received himself that he was incapable of stirring from the spot or removing his gaze from the rigid features of the corpse which even in death wore the strong impress of horror and despair. Through life he knew that Agnes his own nurse had been his mother's constant and faithful attendant. The unhesitating agents of her schemes and it was to be feared from the remorse she had exhibited the participator of her crimes. And Ranoff felt he knew not why that in having witnessed her terrible end he beheld the ultimate condition of his own parent. Conquering not without great effort the horror which had riveted him to the spot he turned to look towards Eleanor. She had sunk upon a chair a silent witness of the scene. Mrs. Mowbray and Dr. Small having upon the first alarm given by Agnes respecting Lady Rookwood's departure from the house quitted the room to ascertain the truth of her statement. Ranoff immediately flew to Eleanor. Ranoff said she though almost overcome by her alarm. Stay not an instant here with me I am sure from that poor woman's dreadful death that something terrible has occurred perhaps to Lady Rookwood go to her chamber tarry not I entreat of you. But will you can you remain here alone with that body asked Ranoff. I shall not be alone handass her is within call nay she is here oh what an eve of our espousals this has been dear Ranoff our whole life is a troubled volume of which each successive leaf grows darker fate is opposed to us it is useless to contend with our destiny I fear we shall never be united dismiss me not with words like those dear Eleanor returned Ranoff fate cannot have greater woes in store for us than those by which we are now opposed let us hope that we are now at a point when almost brightened once possessed of you assured of thus much happiness I would set even fate at defiance and you will be mine tomorrow Ranoff dear Ranoff your suit at this moment is desperate I dare not cannot pledge myself you yourself heard even now my mother's sentiments and I cannot marry without her consent your mother like my own regards not the feelings of her children forgive my boldness Eleanor forgive me if I linger now when duty calls me hence but I cannot tear myself away your mother may return my hopes be crushed for even your love for me seems annihilated in her presence Ranoff your vehemence terrifies me rejoined Eleanor I implore you by the tender affection which you know I bear you not to urge me further at this moment recall your firmer feelings and obtain some mastery over yourself I repeat I am yours only if I am bride of anyone but when our union can take place rests not within myself and now I entreat of you leave me you are mine said Ranoff with fervour mine only yours only replied Eleanor be this the earnest of my happiness exclaimed Ranoff imprinting a long and impassioned kiss upon her lips the lovers were startled from their embrace by a profound sight it proceeded from Handasa who unbidden had replaced the picture of the Lady Eleanor upon its frame the augury seemed sinister everyone who was gazed steadfastly upon a portrait must have noticed the peculiar and lifelike character which under certain aspects the eyes will assume seen by the imperfect light upon the table the whole character of the countenance of the Lady Eleanor seemed changed the features appeared to be stamped with melancholy and the eyes to be fixed with pitying tenderness upon her descendants both gazed at each other and at the picture struck with the same sentiment of undefined awe beside them stood the dark figure of the gypsy girl watching with ill-concealed satisfaction the effect of her handiwork Ranoff was aroused from his abstraction by hearing a loud outcry in mrs. Mobre's voice hastily committing Eleanor to the care of her attendants he left the room Handasa followed him to the door close it after him and then locked it within side this done she walked back hastily towards Eleanor exclaiming in a tone of exultation you have parted with him forever what mean you girl cried Eleanor alarmed at her manner why have you fastened the door open it I command you command me left hand as a scornfully what if I refuse your mandate what if in my turn I bid you obey me I never owned but one mistress if I have bowed my neck to you for a time to us to fulfill her dying wishes if I have submitted to your control it was to accomplish what I have now accomplished your oath remember your oath the hour is come for its fulfillment with these words Handasa clapped her hands a panel in the wall opened and Luke stood suddenly before them silently and with stern deliberation he strode towards Eleanor and seizing one of her hands drew her forcibly towards him Eleanor resisted not she had not the power neither did she scream for so paralyzing was her terror that for the moment it took away all power of utterance Luke neither stirred nor spoke but still maintaining his hold gazed searchingly upon her features while Eleanor as if spellbound could not withdraw her eyes from him nothing more terribly impressive could be conceived than Luke's whole appearance harassed and exhausted by the life he had recently led deprived almost of natural rest goaded by remorse his frame was almost worn to the bone while his countenance once dark and swarthy was now blanched and colourless as marble this pallid and deathlike hue was in all probability owing to the loss of blood he had sustained from the wound inflicted by major mulberry with the stains of which his apparel was dyed for those staunched the effusion had been sufficient to cause great faintness his dark eyes blazed with their wanted fire nay they looked darker and larger from his exceeding paleness and such intense mental and bodily suffering was imprinted upon his countenance that despite its fierceness and desperation few could have regarded him without sympathy real desperation has so much of agony in its character that no one can witness it unmoved his garb was not that in which the reader first beheld him but a rich dark simple suit of velvet corresponding more with his real rank in life than his former peasants attire but it was disordered by his recent conflict and stained with bloody testimonials of the fray while his long sable curls once his pride and ornament now hung in intertangled elf locks like a coil of reed water snakes even in her terror as she dwelt upon his noble features Eleanor could not help admitting that she beheld the undoubted descendant and the living likeness of the handsomest and most distinguished of her house the profligate and criminal Sir Reginald as her eye mechanically following this train of thought wandered for an instant the haughty portraiture of Sir Reynolds which formed part of the family pictures and thence to those of his unfortunate lady she was struck with the fancy that by some terrible fatality the tragic horrors of bygone days were to be again enacted in their persons and that they were in some way strangely identified with their unfortunate progenitors so forcibly was this idea impressed upon her features that Luke who had followed the direction of her glances became instantly aware of it drawing her nearer to the portrait of the lady Eleanor he traced the resemblance in new wonder thence turning towards that of Sir Reginald he proudly exclaimed you doubted once my lineage maiden can you gaze on those features which would almost seem to be a reflection of my own and longer hesitate whose descendant I am I glory in my likeness there is a wild delight in setting human emotions at naught which he was said to feel which I feel now within these walls I seem to breathe an atmosphere congenial to me I visit what I often visited in my dreams or as in a state of pre-existence me thinks as I gaze on you I could almost deem myself Sir Reginald and you his bride the lady Eleanor our fates were parallel she was united to her Lord by ties of hatred by a vow a bridal vow so you are to me and she could near escape him could never throw off her bondage nor shall you I claim the fulfillment of your oath you are mine never never streaked Eleanor struggling to disengage herself but Luke laughed at her feeble efforts and as I stood by a passive spectators of the scene with her arms folded upon her bosom you refuse compliance said Luke scornfully have you no hopes of heaven nor fears of perdition that you dare to violate your vow be think you of the awful nature of that obligation of the life that was laid down to purchase it of the blood which will cry out for vengeance against the murderous should you hesitate by that blood cemented sacrament I claim you as my own you are mine and he dragged her towards the opening Eleanor uttered a long and terrific scream be silent on your life added he searching for the dagger given to him by Alan Rookwood when as his hand sought the weapon Eleanor escaped from his grasp and fled towards the door but handassah had anticipated her intention the key was withdrawn from the lock and the wretched maiden vainly tried to open it at this instant Turpin appeared at the sliding panel quick quick cried he impatiently dispatch in the devil's name the house is alarmed I hear young runoff voice in the gallery runoff shrieked Eleanor then I'm saved and she redoubled her outcries for assistance Luke again seized his victim her hands clutched so convulsively fast in her despairing energy against the handle of the door that he could not tear her thence by this time runoff Rookwood who had caught her reiterated screams for help was at the entrance he heard her struggles he heard Luke's threats his mockery his derisive laughter but vainly vainly did he attempt to force it open it was of the strongest oak and the bolts resisted all his efforts a board alone divided him from his mistress he could hear her sobs and gasps he saw from the action of the handle with what tenacity she clung to it and stung to frenzy by the site he hurled himself against the sturdy plank but all in vain at length the handle was still there was a heavy fall upon the floor a stifled scream and the sound of a body being dragged along the thought was madness to the panel to the panel cried a voice it was that of Turpin from within the panel ha echoed runoff with a sudden gleam of hope I may yet save her and he darted along the corridor with the swiftness of thought Luke meanwhile had for some minutes fruitlessly exhausted all his force to drag Eleanor from the door despair gave her strength she clutched at the door but she felt her strength failing her her grasp was relaxing and then the maddening thought that she would be shortly his that he would slay her while the idea that runoff was so near and yet unable to protect her added gall even to her bitterness with savage delight Luke exalted in the lovers tortures he heard runoffs ineffectual attempts he heard his groans he heard their mutual cries inflamed by jealousy he triumphed in his power of vengeance and even prolonged the torch which accidents are given him the means of inflicting he stood like the inquisitor who marks his victims anguish on the rack and calculates his powers of further endurance but he could no longer dally even with this horrible gratification his companion grew impatient Eleanor's fair long tresses had escaped from their confinement in the struggle and fell down her neck in disorder twining his fingers amidst its foals Luke dragged her backwards from her hold and incapable of further resistance her strength completely exhausted the wretched girl fell to the ground Luke now raised her almost inanimate form in his arms and had nigh reached the aperture when a crash was heard in the opposite panel to that by which he was about to escape and communicating with a further apartment it was thrown open and runoff Rookwood presented himself at the narrow partition an exclamation of joy that he was yet in time escaped his lips and he was about to clear the partition at a bound and to precipitate himself upon Luke when a suddenly as his own action was the person of the unfortunate Mr. Coates wedged into the aperture traitor cried runoff regarding coats with concentrated fury dare you to oppose me hence all by heaven I will cut you down it is impossible ejaculated the attorney for your own sakes a runoff for my sake I entreat implore of you not to attempt to pass this way try the other door runoff said no more he passed his sword through the body of the miserable attorney who with a deep groan fell the only obstacle to his passage being thus removed he had once lept into the room the brothers were now confronted together but little of brotherly love mingled with the glances which they threw upon each other runoff's gentle but with all enthusiastic temperament had kindled under his present excitement like flax at the sudden approach of flame he was wild with frenzy Luke was karma but his fury was deadly and inextinguishable the meeting was terrible on both sides with one arm Luke and folded Eleanor with the other he uplifted the dagger its point was towards her bosom scowling grim defiance at runoff he exclaimed in a determined tone advance a footstep and my dagger descends into her heart runoff hesitated uncertain how to act foaming with rage yet trembling with apprehension runoff gasp Eleanor life without you were valueless advance avenge me runoff still hesitated he could not by any act of his own compromise Eleanor's safety Luke saw his advantage and was not slow to profit by it you seal her destruction if you stir said he villain returned runoff beneath his ground teeth and with difficulty commanding sufficient coolness to speak with deliberation you perceive your power injure her and nothing earthly shall protect you free her and take your life and liberty nay reward if you will you cannot otherwise escape me escape you laughed luke disdainfully stand aside and let me pass beware added he sternly how you oppose me i would not have a brother's blood upon my soul nor i cried runoff but you pass not and he placed himself full in luke's path luke however steadily moved forward holding Eleanor between himself and runoff so as to shield his own person but fancying he saw an opportunity of dealing a blow without injury to his mistress the latter was about to hazard the thrust when his arms were seized behind and he was rendered powerless lost lost groan he she's lost to me forever i fear that's put too true said turpin for it was the highwayman whose grasp can find runoff must i see her born away before my eyes cried runoff release me set me free quite impossible at present returned dick my turn away sir luke continued he never mind me leave me to shift for myself Eleanor cried runoff as she passed close by his side runoff shrieked Eleanor with a loud scream recall to consciousness by his voice farewell forever i forever responded luke triumphantly you meet no more on earth he was about to pass through the panel when Eleanor exerted all her remaining strength in a last futile attempt at liberation in the struggle a packet fell from luke's bosom handassas stooped to pick it up from sibil exclaimed she glancing at the superscription remember my promise to old Barbara raw dick who had some curiosity as the reader knows to learn what the package contained the time has arrived Eleanor is in your power in your presence give me the packet said luke resigning Eleanor for the incident to handassas custody take the steel and grasp her firmly handassa who though slight of figure was of singular personal strength twine her arms about miss mobre in such a manner as to preclude all possibility of motion luke tore open the package it was a box carefully enclosed in several folds of linen and lastly within a sheet of paper on which were inscribed these words the Dower of Sibyl hastily and with much curiosity luke raised the lid of the box it contained one long silken tress of blackest hair enviously braided it was Sibyl's his first impulse was to cast it from him his next reproachfully to raise it to his lips he started as if a snake had stung him at this moment a loud clamour was heard in the gallery in the next the door was assailed by violent strokes evidently proceeding from some waiting instrument impelled by the united strength of several assailants the voice of turpin rose above the deafening din a bullet for the first who enters shouted he quicks the luke and the prize is safe away and but as he seconded his exhortation with a glance at luke he broke off the half uttered sentence and started with horror and amazement ere the cause of his alarm could be expressed the door was burst open and a crowd of domestics headed by major mobray and titus turconal rushed into the room nay then the game's up exclaimed dick i have done with rookwood and springing through the panel he was seen no more when the newcomers first looked around they could perceive only two figures besides themselves those of the two lovers elena having sunk pale exhausted and almost senseless into the arms of rannolf presently however a ghastly object attracted their attention all rushed towards it all recoiled as soon as they discovered that it was the lifeless body of luke rookwood his limbs were stiff like those of a corpse which has for hours been such his eyes protruded from their sockets his face was livid and blotched all bespoke with terrible certainty the efficacy of the poison and the full accomplishment of barbara's revenge handasa was gone probably she had escaped air to her pin fled at all events she was heard of no more at rookwood it required little to recall the senses of elena shortly she revived and as she gazed around and became conscious of her escape she uttered exclamations of thanksgiving and sank into the embraces of her brother meanwhile mrs mobré and dr small had joined the assemblage the worthy doctor had been full of alarm but his meditated condolences were now changed congratulations as he heard the particulars of the terrible scene that had occurred and of elena's singular and almost providential deliverance after what has befallen madame said the doctor to mrs mobré slightly coughing you can no longer raise any objection to a certain union i will answer for my mother in that particular said major mobré stepping forward she will answer for herself my son said mrs mobré the match has her full and entire consent but to what am i to attribute to the unexpected happiness of your return to a chain of singular circumstances replied the major which i will hear after detail to you suffice it to say but that for this gentleman's fortunate arrival added he looking at titus tearconel at the hut on thorn waste i might have been detained a prisoner without parole and what is worse without provision perhaps for days and to add to my distress fully acquainted with the meditated abduction of my sister it was excessively looking for me mr tearconel that you happen to pass that way and for poor paterson likewise ah by my soul major and you may say that with safety and it was particularly fortunate that we stumbled upon the tits in the cellar oh we'd never have been here just in the nick of it i begin to think we've lost all chance of taking dick terp in this time he's got clean away i am not sorry for his escape said the major he's a brave fellow and i respect courage wherever i may find it even in a highwayman i should be sorry to appear as a witness against him and i trust it will never be my fate to do so we shall not pause to describe the affectionate meeting which now ensued between the brother and sister the congratulations upon elena's escape from peril intermingled with the tenderest embraces and the warmest thanks offer to rannel for his gallant service she's yours my dear boy said the major and though you are a rookwood and she bears the ill-fated name of elena i predict that contrary to the usual custom of our families in such cases all your misfortunes will have occurred before marriage there is only one thing said small with a very peculiar expression which might almost be construed into serial comic could we suspect the benevolent doctor of any such waggery that can possibly throw a shade over our present facility lady rookwood is not to be found my poor mother said rannel starting make yourself easy said the doctor i doubt not we shall hear of her tomorrow my only apprehension adi he half aside is that she may be heard of before what are the circumstances afflicts me said rannel poor mr. coats what's that you say of mr. coats rannel exclaimed titus i fear he was killed in the recent affray said rannel let someone search for the body kilt echoed titus is it kilt that mr. coats is ah hold on gone and is it over with him entirely is he gone to rejoin his father the thief taker bring me to his remains he will bring them to you himself said the attorney stepping forward luckily sir rannolf said the incurable punster it was merely the outer coats that your sword passed through the inner remains uninjured so that you did not act as my conveyancy to eternity body of me i've as many lives as a cat rannolf welcomed the facetious man of law with no little satisfaction we think it's unnecessary to enter into further detail another chamber was prepared for ellen's reception to which she was almost immediately transported the remains of the once fierce and haughty luke now stiff and stark but still wearing even in death their proud character were placed upon the self-same beer uncovered with the self-same paul which but a week ago had furnished forth his father's funeral and as the domestics crowded around the corpse there was not one of them but commented upon his startling resemblance to his grandsire sir reginald nor amongst the superstitious was the falling of the fatal bow forgotten tranquility was again restored at the hall throughout the night and during the next day rannolf made every search for his mother but no tidings could be learned of her seriously alarmed he then caused more strict and general inquiry to be instituted but with like unsuccessful effect it was not indeed till some years afterwards that her fate was ascertained end of chapter four book five chapter five book five of rookwood this is a librivox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox.org this reading by paul curran rookwood by william harrison ainsworth book five chapter five the sarcophagus so now it is ended like an old wife's story webster notwithstanding the obscurity which hung over the fate of lady rookwood the celebration of the nuptials of saranolf and elinor was not long delayed the ceremony took place at the parish church and the worthy vicar officiated upon the occasion it was a joyous sight to all who witnessed it and not few were they who did so for the whole neighborhood was bidden to the festival the old avenue was thronged with bright and beaming faces rustic maidens decked out in ribbons of many colored splendor and stout youths in their best holiday trim nor was the lusty yeoman and his buxom spouse nor yet the patriarch of the village nor the prattling child wanting even the ancestral rooks seemed to participate in the universal merriment and returned from their eries a horse greeting like a lusty chorus of laughter to the frolic train the churchyard path was strewn with flowers the church itself a complete garland never was there seen a blither wedding the sun smiled upon the bride accounted a fortunate omen as dark lowering skies and stormy weather had within the memory of the oldest of the tenantry in auspiciously ushered in all former espousals the bride had recovered her bloom and beauty while the melancholy which had seemingly settled forever upon the open brow of the bridegroom had now given place to a pensive shade that only added interest to his expressive features and as in simple state after the completion of the sacred rites the youthful pair walked arm in arm amongst their thronging and admiring tenants towards the hall many a fervent prayer was breathed that the curse of the house of rookwood might be averted from their heads and not to leave a doubt upon the subject we can add that these aspirations were not in vain but that the day which dawned so brightly was one of serene and unclouded happiness to its close after the ceremonial the day was devoted to festivity crowded with company from the ample hall to the kitchen ingle the old mansion could scarce contain its numerous guests while the walls resounded with hearty peals of laughter to which they had long been unaccustomed the tables groaned beneath the lordly barren of beef the weighty chine the castled pasty flanked on the one hand with neat tongue and on the other defended by a mountainous ham an excellent pièce de résistance and every other substantial appliance of ancient hospitality barrels of mighty ale were broached and their nuts brown content widely distributed and the health of the bride and bridegroom was enthusiastically drunk in a brimming wassel cup of spicy wine with floating toast Titus Terconnell acted as master of the ceremonies and was Mr. coach declared quite in his element so much was he elated that he ventured to cut some of his old jokes upon the vicar and strange to say without incurring the resentment of small to retrace the darker course of our narrative we must state that some weeks before this happy event the remains of the unfortunate Salook Rookwood had been gathered to those of his fathers the document that attested his legitimacy being found upon his person the claims denied to him in life were conceded in death and he was interred with all the pomp and peculiar solemnity proper to one of the house within the tomb of his ancestry it was then that the discovery was made respecting Alan Rookwood in order to explain which we must again revert to the night of the meditated enlavement of Eleanor after quitting his grandson in the avenue Alan shaped his course among the fields in the direction to the church he sought his own humble but now deserted dwelling the door had been forced some of its meager furniture was removed and the dog his sole companion have fled poor mole said he thou hast found I trust a better master and having possessed himself of what he came in search namely a bunch of keys and his lantern deposited in and out of the way cupboard that had escaped notice he quickly departed he was once more within the churchyard and once more upon that awful stage where on he had chosen to enact for a long season his late fantastical character and he gazed upon the church tower glistening in the moonshine the green and undulating hillocks the checkered cross sticks the clustered headstones and the black and portentous yew trees as upon old familiar faces he mused for a few moments upon the scene apparently with deep interest he then walked beneath the shadows of one of the yews chanting an odd stanza or so of one of his wild staves wrapped the while it would seem in affectionate contemplation of the subject matter of his song the churchyard you metuendak suko taxis statius a noxious tree is the churchyard you as if from the dead it's sap it drew darker its branches and dismal to see like plumes at death's latest solemnity spectral and jagged and black as the wings which some spirit avail or a sepulchre flings oh a terrible tree is the churchyard you like it is nothing so grimly to yet this baleful tree hath a core so sound cannot so tough in the grove be found from it were fashioned brave english bows the boast of our isle and the dread of its foes for our sturdy scires cut their stoutest staves from the branch that hung o'er their fathers graves and though it be dreary and dismal to view staunch at the heart is the churchyard you his ditty concluded alan entered the churchyard taking care to leave the door slightly a jar in order to facilitate his grandson's entrance for an instant he lingered in the chancel the yellow moonlight fell upon the monuments of his race and directed by the instinct of hate alan's eye rested upon the gilded entablature of his perfidious brother reginald and muttering curses not loud but deep he passed on having lighted his lantern in no tranquil mood he descended into the vault observing a similar caution with respect to the portal of the cemetery which he left partially enclosed with the key in the lock here he resolved to abide luke's coming the reader knows what probability there was of his expectations being realized for a while he paced the tomb wrapped in gloomy meditation and pondering it might be upon the result of luke's expedition and the fulfillment of his own dark schemes scowling from time to time beneath his bent eyebrows counting the grim array of coffins and noticing with something like satisfaction that the shell which contained the remains of his daughter had been restored to its former position he then bethought him a father check list midnight intrusion upon his conference with luke and their apprehension of a supernatural visitation and his curiosity was stimulated to ascertain by what means the priest had gained admission to the spot unperceived and unheard he resolved to sound the floor and see whether any secret entrance existed and hollowly and dully did the hard flagging return the stroke of his heel as he pursued his scrutiny at length the metallic ringing of an iron plate immediately behind the marble effigy of saranolf resolved the point there it was that the priest had found access to the vault but allen's disappointment was excessive when he discovered that the plate was fastened on the underside and all communication thence with the churchyard or to wherever else it might conduct him cut off but the present was not the season for further investigation and tolerably pleased with the discovery he had already made he returned to his silent march round the sepulchre at length the sound like the sudden shutting of the church door broke upon the profound stillness of the holy edifice in the hush that succeeded a footstep was distinctly heard threading the aisle he comes he comes exclaimed allen joyfully adding an instant after in an altered voice but he comes alone the footstep drew near to the mouth of the vault it was upon the stairs allen stepped forward to greet as he supposed his grandson but started back in astonishment and dismay as he encountered in his stead lady rookwood allen retreated while the lady advanced swinging the iron door after her which closed with a tremendous clang approaching the statue of the first saranoff she paused and allen then remarked the singular and terrible expression of her eyes which appeared to be fixed upon the statue or upon some invisible objects near it there was something in her whole attitude and manner calculated to impress the deepest terror on the beholder and allen gazed upon her with an awe which momentally increased lady rookwood's bearing was as proud and erect as we have formally described it to have been her brow was haughtily bent her chiseled lip as distinctly curled but the staring changeless eye and the deep heaved sob which occasionally escaped her betrayed how much she was under the influence of mortal terror allen watched her in amazement he knew not how the scene was likely to terminate nor what could have induced her to visit this ghostly spot at such an hour and alone but he resolved to abide the issue in silence profound as her own after a time however his impatience got the better of his fears and scruples and he spoke what doth lady rookwood in the abode of the dead asked he at length she started at the sound of his voice but still kept her eye fixed upon the vacancy has thou not beckoned me hither and am I not come returned she in a hollow tone and now thou asketh wherefore I am here I am here because as in thy life I fear thee not neither in death do I fear thee I am here because what see us now interrupted peter with ill suppressed terror what I see shouted lady rookwood amidst discordant laughter that which might appall a heart less stout than mine a figure anguish rhythm with veins that glow as with a subtle and consuming flame a substance yet a shadow in thy living likeness ah frown if thy wilt I can return thou glances where dost thou see this vision demanded allen where echoed lady rookwood becoming for the first time sensible of the presence of a stranger who are you that question me what are you speak no matter who or what I am returned allen I asked you what you behold can you see nothing nothing replied allen you knew supers rookwood is it he asked allen drawing near her it is replied lady rookwood I have followed him hither and I will follow him wither so ever he leads me were it too what doth he now asked allen do you see him still the figure points to that sarcophagus returned lady rookwood can you raise up the lid no replied allen my strength will not avail to lift it yet let the trial be made said lady rookwood the figure points there still my own arm shall aid you allen watched her in dumb wonder she advanced towards the marble monument and beckoned him to follow he reluctantly complied without any expectation of being able to move the ponderous lid of the sarcophagus at lady rookwood's renewed request he applied himself to the task what was his surprise when beneath their united efforts he found the ponderous slab slowly revolve upon its vast hinges and with little further difficulty it was completely elevated though it still required the exertion of all allen's strength to prop it open and prevent it falling back what does it contain asked lady rookwood a warrior's ashes returned allen there's a rusty dagger upon a fold of faded linen cried lady rookwood holding down the light it is the weapon with which the first dame of the house of rookwood was stabbed said allen with a grim smile which who so findeth in the tomb shall clutch until the hour of doom and went his grasp by hand of clay the curse of blood shall pass away so saith the rhyme have you seen enough no said lady rookwood precipitating herself into the marble coffin that weapon shall be mine come forth come forth cried allen my arm trembles i cannot support the lid i will have it though i grasp it to eternity streaked lady rookwood vainly endeavouring to rest away the dagger which was fastened together with the linen upon which it lay by some adhesive substance to the bottom of the shell at this moment allen rookwood happened to cast his eye upward and he then beheld what filled him with new terror the axe of the sable statue was poised above its head as in the act to strike him some secret machinery it was evident existed between the sarcophagus lid and this mysterious image but in the first impulse of his alarm allen abandoned his hold of the slab and it sunk slowly downwards he uttered a loud cry as it moved lady rookwood heard this cry she raised herself at the same moment the dagger was in her hand she pressed it against the lid but its downward force was too great to be withstood the light was within the sarcophagus and allen could discern her features the expression was terrible she uttered one shriek and the lid closed forever allen was in total darkness the light had been enclosed with lady rookwood there was something so horrible in her probable fate that even he shouldered as he thought upon it exerting all his remaining strength he essayed to raise the lid but it was now more firmly closed than ever it defied all his power once for an instant he fancied that it yielded to his straining sinews but it was only his hand that slid upon the surface of the marble it was fixed immovable the sides and lid rang with the strokes which the unfortunate lady bestowed upon them with the dagger's point but those sounds were not long heard presently all was still the marble ceased to vibrate with her blows allen struck the lid with his knuckles but no response was returned all was silent he now turned his attention to his own situation which had become sufficiently alarming an hour must have elapsed yet luke had not arrived the door of the vault was closed the key was in the lock and on the outside he was himself a prisoner within the tomb what if luke should not return what if he was slain as it my chance in the enterprise that thought flashed across his brain like an electric shock none knew of his retreat but his grandson he might perish of famine within this desolate vault he checked this notion as soon as it was formed it was too dreadful to be indulged in a thousand circumstances might conspire to detain luke he was sure to come yet the solitude the darkness was awful almost intolerable the dying and the dead were around him he dared not stir another hour an age it seemed to him had passed still luke came not horrible forebodings crossed him but he would not surrender himself to them he rose and crawled in the direction as he supposed of the door fearful even of the stealthy sound of his own footsteps he reached it and his heart once more throbbed with hope he bent his ear to the key he drew in his breath he listened for some sound but nothing was to be heard a groan would have been almost music in his ears another hour was gone he was now a prey to the most frightful apprehensions agitated in turns by the wildest emotions of rage and terror he at one moment imagined that luke had abandoned him and heaped curses upon his head at the next convinced that he had fallen he bewailed with equal bitterness his grandson's fate and his own he paced the tomb like one distracted he stamped upon the iron plate he smoked with his hands upon the door he shouted and the vault hollowly echoed his lamentations but time's sand ran on and luke arrived not allen now abandoned himself wholly to despair he could no longer anticipate his grandson's coming no longer hope for deliverance his fate was sealed death awaited him he must anticipate his slow but inevitable stroke enduring all the grinding horrors of starvation the contemplation of such an end was madness but he was forced to contemplate it now and so appalling did it appear to his imagination that he half resolved to dash out his brains against the walls of the sepulcher and put an end at once to his tortures and nothing except to doubt whether he might not by imperfectly accomplishing his purpose increase his own suffering prevented him from putting this dreadful idea into execution his dagger was gone and he had no other weapon terrors of a new kind now assailed him the dead he fancied were bursting from their coffins and he peopled the darkness with grisly phantoms they were about him on each side whirling and rustling gibbering groaning streaking laughing and lamenting he was stunned stifled the air seemed to grow suffocating pestilential the wild laughter was redoubled the horrible trooper sailed him they dragged him along the tomb and amid their howls he fell and became insensible when he returned to himself it was some time before he could recollect his scattered faculties and when the agonizing consciousness of his terrible situation forced itself upon his mind he had nigh relapsed into oblivion he arose he rushed towards the door he knocked against it with his knuckles till the blood streamed from them he scratched against it with his nails till they were torn off by the roots with insane fury he hurled himself against the iron frame it was in vain again he had recourse to the trapdoor he searched for it he found it he laid himself upon the ground there was no interval of space in which he could insert a finger's point he beat it with his clenched hand he tore it with his teeth he jumped upon it he smoked it with his heel the iron returned a sullen sound he again essayed the lid of the sarcophagus despair nerved his strength he raised the slab a few inches he shouted screamed but no answer was returned and again the lid fell she's dead cried alan why have i not shared her fate but mine is to come and such a death oh and frenzied at the thought he again hurried to the door and renewed his fruitless attempts to escape till nature gave way and he sank upon the floor groaning and exhausted physical suffering now began to take place of his mental tortures parched and consumed with a fierce internal fever he was tormented by unappeasable thirst of all human ills the most unendurable his tongue was dry and dusty his throat inflamed his lips had lost all moisture he licked the humid floor he sought to imbibe the nitrous drops from the walls but instead of allaying his thirst they increased it he would have given the world had he possessed it for a draft of cold spring water oh to have died with his lips upon some bubbling mountains marge but to perish thus nor were the pangs of hunger wanting he had to endure all the horrors of famine as well as the agonies of quenchless thirst in this dreadful state three days and nights passed over allen's fated head nor night nor day had he time with him was only measured by its duration and that seemed interminable each hour added to his suffering and brought with it no relief during this period of prolonged misery reason often tottered on her throne sometimes he was under the influence of the wildest passions he dragged coffins from their recesses hurled them upon the ground striving to break them open and drag forth their lonesome contents upon other occasions he would weep bitterly and wildly and once only once did he attempt to pray but he started from his knees with an echo of infernal laughter as he deemed ringing in his ears then again would he call down implications upon himself and his whole line trampling upon the pile of coffins he had reared and lastly mull subdued would creep to the boards that contain the body of his child kissing them with a frantic outbreak of affection at length he became sensible of his approaching dissolution to him the thought of death might well be terrible but he quailed not before it or rather seemed in his latest moments to resume all his wanted firmness of character gathering together his remaining strength he dragged himself towards the niche wherein his brother Sir Reginald Rookwood was deposited and placing his hand upon the coffin solemnly exclaimed my curse my dying curse be upon thee evermore falling with his face upon the coffin Alan instantly expired in this attitude his remains were discovered end of chapter five book five Lenvoy of Rookwood this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Paul Curran Rookwood by William Harrison Ainsworth Lenvoy our tale is told yet perhaps we may be allowed to add a few words respecting two of the subordinate characters of our drama melodrama we ought to say namely Jerry Juniper and the Knight of Malta what became of the cape emergent son after his flight from Kilburn Wells we have never been able distinctly to ascertain Juniper however would seem to be a sort of wandering Jew for certain it is that somebody very like him is extant still and to be met with at Jerry's old haunts indeed we have no doubt of encountering him at the ensuing meetings of Ascot and Hampton as regards the Knight of Malta Knight of Rhodes Rhodes R-H-O-D-E-S he should have been we are sorry to state that the career of the Ruffler terminated in a mad house and thus the poor knight became in reality a hospitality according to the custom observed in those establishments the knight was deprived of his luxuriant locks and the loss of his beard rendered his case incurable but in the meantime the barber of the place made his fortune by retailing the materials of all the black wigs he could collect to the imposter's dupes such as the latest piece of intelligence that has reached us of the arch hoaxer of Canterbury Turpin, why disguise it, was hanged at York in 1739 his firmness deserted him not at the last when he mounted the fatal tree his left leg trembled he stamped it impatiently down and after a brief chat with the hangman threw himself suddenly and resolutely from the ladder his sufferings would appear to have been slight as he himself sang he died not as other men die by degrees but at once without wincing and quite at his ease we may in some other place lay before the reader the particulars and they are not in curious of the night before Larry was stretched the remains of the vagrant highwayman found a final resting place in the desecrated churchyard of st. George without the fissure gate poston a green and grassy cemetery but with all a melancholy one a few recent tombs mark out the spot where some of the victims of the pestilence of 1832 to 33 have been interred but we have made vain search for Turpin's grave unless as is more than probable the plain stone with the simple initials r t belongs to him the jives by which he was fettered are still shown at York Castle and are of prodigious weight and strength and though the herculean robberies said to have moved in them with ease the present turnkey was scarcely able to lift the ponderous irons an old woman of the same city has a lock of hair said to have been Turpin's which she avouches her grandfather cut off from the body after the execution and which the believers look upon with great reverence oh rare dick turpin we shall perhaps be accused of dilating too much upon the character of the highwayman and we plead guilty to the charge but we found it impossible to avoid running a little into extremes our earliest associations are connected with sunny scenes in Cheshire said to have been haunted by Turpin and with one very dear to us from whose lips now alas silent we have listened to many stories of his exploits he was a sort of hero we have had a singular delight in recounting his feats and hair bred the scapes and if the reader derives only half as much pleasure from the perusal of his adventures as we have had in the rating them our satisfaction will be complete perhaps we may have placed him in too favourable a point of view and yet we know not as upon those of more important personages many doubts rest upon his history such as we conceive him to have been we have drawn him hoping that the benevolent reader upon finishing our tale will arrive at the same conclusion and in the words of the quaint old prologue to the prince of priggs revels thank that man can make each thief a complete roskian end of lenvoy and end of book rookwood by william harrison ainsworth read for liveryvox.org by paul curran in the hills of northern england february to april 2008