SCRAP BOOK. 13
A loud kuocking was now heard at the door
of the chapel, which was succeeded by the entrance of Sir Christopher Walshingham, frantic with rage and boiling with unrestrained fury. Sir Christopher rushed into the midst of the chapel, loudly demanding the villain who had robbed him of his daughter. The Abbot now interfered, and raising his voice to the highest pitch, exclaimed---
" Peace, Sir Christopher, vengeance is from
heaven. The Holy Altar has been already stained with human blood, and woe be to him who has done the impious deed.
“ I feel the truth of what you suggest my lord
Abbot,” said Sir Christopher,--" But by heaven, vengeance shall overtake the villain on this spot, where the innocent has fallen by his hands."
" Stay, and hearken to me, Sir Christopher,
said the faint voice of Marlowe, as he attempted to raise himself on his arm, but which effort proved ineffectual; “I feel the flow of my heart's blood fast ebbing—-the cold icy hand of death is on my brow; and before I appear before my judge I will disburden my conscience of its weight. I have wronged you all. I am already espoused to --- Lady Marlowe is now in the castle of -----
He could proceed no farther,--his eyes
became fixed and he expired. The amouncement he made came like the electric stroke upon the hearers. Walshingham leaned upon the body, and gladly would he have extracted something more from the dead. Sir Reginald Maxwell approached with Gertrude leaning on his arm.
