Let us enter." They did so, and saw that the place was sumptuously appointed.

Though ancient, it was not large, having, as they afterward discovered, been a fortification on an outer wall now demolished, which had been turned to the purposes of a dwelling.

Leaving the hall out of which opened the refectory, they mounted a stone stair to the upper chambers, and entered one of them.
Here they saw a strange and piteous sight.

On a bed, about which candles still burned, lay a young woman who had been very beautiful, arrayed in a bride's robe.
"Dead of the plague," said Hugh, "and deserted at her death.

Well, she had better luck than many, since she was not left to die alone.