His voice was much stronger and the echoes of remote ages past was less prominent. While, at the same time he seemed to stand up with more solidity and the outlines of his figure under the linen had gained bulk. “I have taken much but not all. Fear not, My Servant, this one still lives and will recover. But I must have more. Bring me—others. Many others, such as herself. For now that I am free, my children are also waking and must feed vicariously through me, until we have all regained true life.”

“Goodness, a large dinner party, then,” muttered Lady Bertram. “Oh!” And then, just for one instant, regaining a bit of her real self, her eyes grew round, and she suddenly fainted, landing directly upon the motionless figure of Galston.

The Mummy stepped over them both with stiff creaking steps, approached the door, and exited the chamber.

Chapter IX

Mr. Rushworth was at the door to receive his fair lady; and the whole party were welcomed by him with due attention. In the drawing-room they were met with equal cordiality by the mother, and Miss Bertram had all the distinction with each that she could wish.

After the business of arriving was over, it was first necessary to eat, and the doors were thrown open to admit them through intermediate rooms into the appointed dining-parlour, where a collation was prepared with abundance and elegance. Much was said, and much was ate, and all went well. The particular object of the day was then considered. How would Mr. Crawford like, in what manner would he chuse, to take a survey of the grounds? Mr. Rushworth mentioned his curricle. Mr. Crawford suggested the greater desirableness of some carriage which might convey more than two. “To be depriving themselves of the advantage of other eyes and other judgments, might be an evil even beyond the loss of present pleasure.”

Mrs. Rushworth proposed that the chaise should be taken also. But this was scarcely received as an amendment: the young ladies neither smiled nor spoke. Her next proposition, of shewing the house to such of them as had not been there before, was more acceptable, for Miss Bertram was pleased to have its size displayed, and all were glad to be doing something.

The whole party rose accordingly, and under Mrs. Rushworth’s guidance were shewn through a number of rooms, all lofty, and many large, and amply furnished in the taste of fifty years back, with shining floors, solid mahogany, rich damask, marble, gilding, and carving, each handsome in its way.

“Ah what a true delight, sister!” whispered Julia to Maria, “to see nary a crocodile-headed entity nor a roll of papyrus in sight. You will be very fortunate indeed to abide here and not stumble upon crates underfoot.”

“One couldn’t agree more.”