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Varney the Vampire

Chapter 8 THE COFFIN.-THE ABSENCE OF THE DEAD.-THE MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE, AND THE CONSTERNATION OF GEORGE.

Word Count: 3456    |    Released on: 06/12/2017

rse never been in that vault at all, and the brothers, although they had descended into it upon the occasion, nearly a year before

knows around him lie, in the calmness of death, those in whose veins have flowed kindred blood to him-who bore the same name, and who preceded him in the b

ons. Both were reflective, imaginative, educated young men, and, as the light from the wax candle fl

o much delicacy to interrupt a train of thought which, although from having no affinity with the dead who lay around, they

rge," he said, "and not for rom

nd he advanced a step towa

for there seem to be nearly twenty," said M

know, were made of marble, and others of metal, both of which materials, I

amine," sa

ich the coffins were placed, so that there could not be much diffi

s" had been more busy than they could have imagined, and that whatever they

the plates that had borne them had fallen on to the floor of the va

they did not examine, because they could not have any

have rotted away among those coffins where we might expect to

e," said Marchdale, ta

h, who, upon an inspection of it

elonged to the

says

duke Bannerworth, Yeoman. Go

his coffin," said Henry, "an

ow can we tell to which of the coffins that

was once fond of, entered many vaults, and I have always observed that an inner coffin of metal was sound and good, w

" said Henry, "how does that assist

ngraved upon the lid of the inner coffin, as well as being set forth in a m

thought of that. If your ancestor was buried in a leaden c

ins, which seemed to be a mass of decay, he pulled away s

aden coffin within, which, although quite blac

scription on th

s deciphered, but it was found not to

ning those leaden coffins which have lost the plates from off th

at Henry now carried, commenced actively assisting in the sea

dale cried, in a t

und it. It

ointed to the lid of a coffin, which he had been rubbing with his ha

It is

ht of the candles t

annerworth,

ere," said Henry. "This is the

"It is an old friend of mine, and I am accusto

o so," s

with much care, proceeded to open the coffin, whi

coffin than it otherwise would have been, but certain it was that the top came away remarkably easily. Indeed, so easily di

t; and it would, indeed, be quite sure to assert, that all the world was for the time f

ere so held as to cast a full and clear light upon the coffin.

ly there, and an audible "T

there!" exc

"here it is. There is somethi

ingworth; "hold the lights, some

ds at once into the coffin, and took up some fragments of rags which were there. They

some few moments, and then Mr. Ch

least vestige of

deep groan,

self to say that no corpse has undergone t

pon myself to say any such thing; but this I can say, namely, that in this coffin there are no animal remains, and that i

wered," s

ning proof, to those we have already on our minds, of one of the

so," said Mar

, why are these things? Oh, if I were but dead, and so

ngworth; I pray you thin

," he replied, "I could come to no other conclusion.

ry, "that the dead body of Marmadu

tly discoloured; it looks tolerably clean and fresh; there

nd the most casual glance was suffi

ace; and all I can now ask of you, my friends, is to

pass my lips,"

s that this night's work would have had the effect of dissipatin

rge, "can you call them f

, ind

ou yet

yre; and I tell you now, that if one was to come and lay hold of me by the throat,

ncredulity to the v

d it, if y

be convinced?"

dly, on this p

d doubt a miracle, if you

me scientific means of accounting for the phenomenon, and that's the very reason why we have no

observations in such a plac

lingworth, "to make your opinions, or the express

said Henry; "I am bewildered

the little party moved towards the staircase. Henry tur

had been some mistake, some error of judgme

strenuously advised this expedition. I did hop

and I tell you that its result perfectly astonishes me, although I will not allow

advised me for the best. The curse of Heaven

said Chillingw

I kno

e first place, Heaven don't curse anybody; and, in the second, i

at their thoughts were by far too busy to enable them to enter into any conversation. They did not, and particularly George, seem to hear all t

must find some remains of Marmaduke Bannerworth, which would render the supposition, even in th

at had become of it? Where, how, and under what circumstances had it been removed? Had it itself burst the bands that held it, and hideously stalked forth into the world again to make one of i

essed themselves upon the consideration of Hen

hich they had been subjected, and say if human reason, and all the arguments that the subtlest brain could back it

nly plan. He would not argue

ng-upon this point I will yi

who could so dispose of it, and not one so much interested in it as were the

l to the task, so it was done by Marchdale, who took pains to replace everything in the same s

rts, they all walked towards the window, to leave the

the pane of glas

"nothing matters now. I care not what becomes of me-I am gett

a state of mind as this," said the doctor, "or

not he

rious evils affecting you, fight out

can

ot, I think, trouble ourselves abou

d walked on with him a litt

obstinate feeling of defiance against them. Now, when anything occurs which is uncomfortable to me, I end

dee

half so much mental misery as would be my portion, if I were to succumb to the evil, a

f mine transcends anything th

of the subject which, if I were you

can

things, make themselves obnoxious to living people; if there are, d-n them! There may be vampyres; and if there are, I defy them.' Let the imagination paint

t like defy

mind which is given to us by Heaven itself. If Heaven creates an intellect and a mind of

opinions. I have heard

urge upon you is, not to allow yourself to be mentally prostrated, even if a vampyre has paid a visit to your house. Defy h

ould have me. I thought more than o

hat is r

dee

All that we read about religion that does not seem expr

nsible; they may be inconsistent; and some of them may look ridiculous; but still they are sacred and sublime,

ld most dreadful opinions, and who would destroy religious beliefs, and all the different sects in the world,

se his opponent says no more upon the subject, he does so because he is disgusted with the s

ry good man, notwithstanding his disbelief in certain things of course paved the way for him to hell, took

wards. It was evident that the scene in the vault had made a deep and saddeni

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1 Chapter 1 No.12 Chapter 2 THE ALARM.-THE PISTOL SHOT.-THE PURSUIT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.3 Chapter 3 THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE BODY.-FLORA'S RECOVERY AND MADNESS.-THE OFFER OF ASSISTANCE FROM SIR FRANCIS VARNEY.4 Chapter 4 THE MORNING.-THE CONSULTATION.-THE FEARFUL SUGGESTION.5 Chapter 5 THE NIGHT WATCH.-THE PROPOSAL.-THE MOONLIGHT.-THE FEARFUL ADVENTURE.6 Chapter 6 A GLANCE AT THE BANNERWORTH FAMILY.-THE PROBABLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE MYSTERIOUS APPARITION'S APPEARANCE.7 Chapter 7 THE VISIT TO THE VAULT OF THE BANNERWORTHS, AND ITS UNPLEASANT RESULT.-THE MYSTERY.8 Chapter 8 THE COFFIN.-THE ABSENCE OF THE DEAD.-THE MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE, AND THE CONSTERNATION OF GEORGE.9 Chapter 9 THE OCCURRENCES OF THE NIGHT AT THE HALL.-THE SECOND APPEARANCE OF THE VAMPYRE, AND THE PISTOL-SHOT.10 Chapter 10 THE RETURN FROM THE VAULT.-THE ALARM, AND THE SEARCH AROUND THE HALL.11 Chapter 11 THE COMMUNICATIONS TO THE LOVER.-THE HEART'S DESPAIR.12 Chapter 12 CHARLES HOLLAND'S SAD FEELINGS.-THE PORTRAIT.-THE OCCURRENCE OF THE NIGHT AT THE HALL.13 Chapter 13 THE OFFER FOR THE HALL.-THE VISIT TO SIR FRANCIS VARNEY.-THE STRANGE RESEMBLANCE.-A DREADFUL SUGGESTION.14 Chapter 14 HENRY'S AGREEMENT WITH SIR FRANCIS VARNEY.-THE SUDDEN ARRIVAL AT THE HALL.-FLORA'S ALARM.15 Chapter 15 THE OLD ADMIRAL AND HIS SERVANT.-THE COMMUNICATION FROM THE LANDLORD OF THE NELSON'S ARMS.16 Chapter 16 THE MEETING OF THE LOVERS IN THE GARDEN.-AN AFFECTING SCENE.-THE SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF SIR FRANCIS VARNEY.17 Chapter 17 THE EXPLANATION.-THE ARRIVAL OF THE ADMIRAL AT THE HOUSE.-A SCENE OF CONFUSION, AND SOME OF ITS RESULTS.18 Chapter 18 THE ADMIRAL'S ADVICE.-THE CHALLENGE TO THE VAMPYRE.-THE NEW SERVANT AT THE HALL.19 Chapter 19 FLORA IN HER CHAMBER.-HER FEARS.-THE MANUSCRIPT.-AN ADVENTURE.20 Chapter 20 THE DREADFUL MISTAKE.-THE TERRIFIC INTERVIEW IN THE CHAMBER.-THE ATTACK OF THE VAMPYRE.21 Chapter 21 THE CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE UNCLE AND NEPHEW, AND THE ALARM.22 Chapter 22 THE CONSULTATION.-THE DETERMINATION TO LEAVE THE HALL.23 Chapter 23 THE ADMIRAL'S ADVICE TO CHARLES HOLLAND.-THE CHALLENGE TO THE VAMPYRE.24 Chapter 24 THE LETTER TO CHARLES.-THE QUARREL.-THE ADMIRAL'S NARRATIVE.-THE MIDNIGHT MEETING.25 Chapter 25 THE ADMIRAL'S OPINION.-THE REQUEST OF CHARLES.26 Chapter 26 THE MEETING BY MOONLIGHT IN THE PARK.-THE TURRET WINDOW IN THE HALL.-THE LETTERS.27 Chapter 27 THE NOBLE CONFIDENCE OF FLORA BANNERWORTH IN HER LOVER.-HER OPINION OF THE THREE LETTERS.-THE ADMIRAL'S ADMIRATION.28 Chapter 28 MR. MARCHDALE'S EXCULPATION OF HIMSELF.-THE SEARCH THROUGH THE GARDENS.-THE SPOT OF THE DEADLY STRUGGLE.-THE MYSTERIOUS PAPER.29 Chapter 29 A PEEP THROUGH AN IRON GRATING.-THE LONELY PRISONER IN HIS DUNGEON.-THE MYSTERY.30 Chapter 30 THE VISIT OF FLORA TO THE VAMPYRE.-THE OFFER.-THE SOLEMN ASSEVERATION.31 Chapter 31 SIR FRANCIS VARNEY AND HIS MYSTERIOUS VISITOR.-THE STRANGE CONFERENCE.32 Chapter 32 THE THOUSAND POUNDS.-THE STRANGER'S PRECAUTIONS.33 Chapter 33 THE STRANGE INTERVIEW.-THE CHASE THROUGH THE HALL.34 Chapter 34 THE THREAT.-ITS CONSEQUENCES.-THE RESCUE, AND SIR FRANCIS VARNEY'S DANGER.35 Chapter 35 THE EXPLANATION.-MARCHDALE'S ADVICE.-THE PROJECTED REMOVAL, AND THE ADMIRAL'S ANGER.36 Chapter 36 THE CONSULTATION.-THE DUEL AND ITS RESULTS.37 Chapter 37 SIR FRANCIS VARNEY'S SEPARATE OPPONENTS.-THE INTERPOSITION OF FLORA.38 Chapter 38 MARCHDALE'S OFFER.-THE CONSULTATION AT BANNERWORTH HALL.-THE MORNING OF THE DUEL.39 Chapter 39 THE STORM AND THE FIGHT.-THE ADMIRAL'S REPUDIATION OF HIS PRINCIPAL.40 Chapter 40 THE POPULAR RIOT.-SIR FRANCIS VARNEY'S DANGER.-THE SUGGESTION AND ITS RESULTS.41 Chapter 41 VARNEY'S DANGER, AND HIS RESCUE.-THE PRISONER AGAIN, AND THE SUBTERRANEAN VAULT.42 Chapter 42 THE OPEN GRAVES.-THE DEAD BODIES.-A SCENE OF TERROR.43 Chapter 43 THE PREPARATIONS FOR LEAVING BANNERWORTH HALL, AND THE MYSTERIOUS CONDUCT OF THE ADMIRAL AND MR. CHILLINGWORTH.44 Chapter 44 THE REMOVAL FROM THE HALL.-THE NIGHT WATCH, AND THE ALARM.45 Chapter 45 THE STAKE AND THE DEAD BODY.46 Chapter 46 THE MOB'S ARRIVAL AT SIR FRANCIS VARNEY'S.-THE ATTEMPT TO GAIN ADMISSION.47 Chapter 47 THE MOB'S ARRIVAL AT SIR FRANCIS VARNEY'S.-THE ATTEMPT TO GAIN ADMISSION. No.4748 Chapter 48 THE ATTACK UPON THE VAMPYRE'S HOUSE.-THE STORY OF THE ATTACK.-THE FORCING OF THE DOORS, AND THE STRUGGLE.49 Chapter 49 THE INTERVIEW BETWEEN THE MOB AND SIR FRANCIS VARNEY.-THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE.-THE WINE CELLARS.50 Chapter 50 THE DESTRUCTION OF SIR FRANCIS VARNEY'S HOUSE BY FIRE.-THE ARRIVAL OF THE MILITARY, AND A SECOND MOB.51 Chapter 51 THE BURNING OF VARNEY'S HOUSE.-A NIGHT SCENE.-POPULAR SUPERSTITION.52 Chapter 52 THE RETURN OF THE MOB AND MILITARY TO THE TOWN.-THE MADNESS OF THE MOB.-THE GROCER'S REVENGE.53 Chapter 53 THE DEPARTURE OF THE BANNERWORTHS FROM THE HALL.-THE NEW ABODE.-JACK PRINGLE, PILOT.54 Chapter 54 THE LONELY WATCH, AND THE ADVENTURE IN THE DESERTED HOUSE.55 Chapter 55 THE ARRIVAL OF JACK PRINGLE.-MIDNIGHT AND THE VAMPYRE.-THE MYSTERIOUS HAT.56 Chapter 56 THE WARNING.-THE NEW PLAN OF OPERATION.-THE INSULTING MESSAGE FROM VARNEY.57 Chapter 57 THE INTERRUPTED BREAKFAST AT SIR FRANCIS VARNEY'S.58 Chapter 58 THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER.-THE PARTICULARS OF THE SUICIDE AT BANNERWORTH HALL.59 Chapter 59 THE MYSTERIOUS MEETING IN THE RUIN AGAIN.-THE VAMPYRE'S ATTACK UPON THE CONSTABLE.60 Chapter 60 THE GUESTS AT THE INN, AND THE STORY OF THE DEAD UNCLE.61 Chapter 61 THE VAMPIRE IN THE MOONLIGHT.-THE FALSE FRIEND.62 Chapter 62 VARNEY'S VISIT TO THE DUNGEON OF THE LONELY PRISONER IN THE RUINS.63 Chapter 63 FLORA BANNERWORTH'S APPARENT INCONSISTENCY.-THE ADMIRAL'S CIRCUMSTANCES AND ADVICE.-MR. CHILLINGWORTH'S MYSTERIOUS ABSENCE.64 Chapter 64 THE ADMIRAL'S STORY OF THE BEAUTIFUL BELINDA.65 Chapter 65 MARCHDALE'S ATTEMPTED VILLANY, AND THE RESULT.66 Chapter 66 FLORA BANNERWORTH AND HER MOTHER.-THE EPISODE OF CHIVALRY.67 Chapter 67 THE FUNERAL OF THE STRANGER OF THE INN.-THE POPULAR COMMOTION, AND MRS. CHILLINGWORTH'S APPEAL TO THE MOB.-THE NEW RIOT.-THE HALL IN DANGER.68 Chapter 68 THE STRANGE MEETING AT THE HALL BETWEEN MR. CHILLINGWORTH AND THE MYSTERIOUS FRIEND OF VARNEY.69 Chapter 69 THE STRANGE STORY.-THE ARRIVAL OF THE MOB AT THE HALL, AND THEIR DISPERSION.70 Chapter 70 THE VISIT OF THE VAMPIRE.-THE GENERAL MEETING.71 Chapter 71 THE MEETING OF CHARLES AND FLORA.72 Chapter 72 MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS, AND THE VISIT TO THE RUINS.73 Chapter 73 THE SECOND NIGHT-WATCH OF MR. CHILLINGWORTH AT THE HALL.74 Chapter 74 VARNEY IN THE GARDEN.-THE COMMUNICATION OF DR. CHILLINGWORTH TO THE ADMIRAL AND HENRY.75 Chapter 75 THE ALTERCATION BETWEEN VARNEY AND THE EXECUTIONER IN THE HALL.-THE MUTUAL AGREEMENT.76 Chapter 76 THE VAMPYRE'S DANGER.-THE LAST REFUGE.-THE RUSE OF HENRY BANNERWORTH.77 Chapter 77 THE DISCOVERY OF THE BODY OF MARCHDALE IN THE RUINS BY THE MOB.-THE BURNING OF THE CORPSE.-THE MURDER OF THE HANGMAN.78 Chapter 78 THE VAMPYRE'S FLIGHT.-HIS DANGER, AND THE LAST PLACE OF REFUGE.79 Chapter 79 CHARLES HOLLAND'S PURSUIT OF THE VAMPYRE.-THE DANGEROUS INTERVIEW.80 Chapter 80 THE MYSTERIOUS ARRIVAL AT THE INN.-THE HUNGARIAN NOBLEMAN.-THE LETTER TO VARNEY.81 Chapter 81 THE EXCITED POPULACE.-VARNEY HUNTED.-THE PLACE OF REFUGE.82 Chapter 82 THE HUNGARIAN NOBLEMAN GETS INTO DANGER.-HE IS FIRED AT, AND SHOWS SOME OF HIS QUALITY.83 Chapter 83 THE DISCOVERY OF THE POCKET BOOK OF MARMADUKE BANNERWORTH.-ITS MYSTERIOUS CONTENTS.84 Chapter 84 THE HUNT FOR VARNEY.-THE HOUSE-TOPS.-THE MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.-THE LAST PLACE OF REFUGE.-THE COTTAGE.85 Chapter 85 THE RECEPTION OF THE VAMPYRE BY FLORA.-VARNEY SUBDUED.86 Chapter 86 TELLS WHAT BECAME OF THE SECOND VAMPYRE WHO SOUGHT VARNEY.87 Chapter 87 DR. CHILLINGWORTH AT THE HALL.-THE ENCOUNTER OF MYSTERY.-THE CONFLICT.-THE RESCUE, AND THE PICTURE.88 Chapter 88 THE GRAND CONSULTATION BROKEN UP BY MRS. CHILLINGWORTH, AND THE DISAPPEARANCE OF VARNEY.89 Chapter 89 THE MISADVENTURE OF THE DOCTOR WITH THE PICTURE.90 Chapter 90 THE ALARM AT ANDERBURY.-THE SUSPICIONS OF THE BANNERWORTH FAMILY, AND THE MYSTERIOUS COMMUNICATION.91 Chapter 91 THE VISITOR, AND THE DEATH IN THE SUBTERRANEAN PASSAGE.92 Chapter 92 THE MARRIAGE IN THE BANNERWORTH FAMILY ARRANGED.93 Chapter 93 THE BARON TAKES ANDERBURY HOUSE, AND DECIDES UPON GIVING A GRAND ENTERTAINMENT.