with him in a low whisper.

"The witness," said Dudleigh, as he came back, "forgot to bring lights.
I have none. Have you any?"

"Lights?--no," said the clergyman.

"What shall we do?"

"I don't know."

"We can't go down into the vaults."

"I should say," remarked the clergyman, "that since we have no lights,
it is far better for us to remain where we are."

"But we may be overheard."

"I shall speak low."

"Isn't it a little too dark here?" asked Dudleigh, tremulously.

"It certainly is rather dark," said the clergyman, "but I suppose it
can't be helped, and it need not make any difference. There is a witness
who has seen the parties, and as you say secrecy is needed, why, this
darkness may be all the more favorable. But it is no concern of mine.
Only I should think it equally safe, and a great deal pleasanter, to
have the ceremony here than down in the vaults."

All this had been spoken in a quick low tone, so as to guard against