CHAPTER VII .-- THE ABBEY MILL.
For a while the abbot remained shattered and stupefied by this terrible interview.

At length he arose, and made his way, he scarce knew how, to the oratory.

But it was long before the tumult of his thoughts could be at all allayed, and he had only just regained something like composure when he was disturbed by hearing a slight sound in the adjoining chamber.

A mortal chill came over him, for he thought it might be Demdike returned.

Presently, he distinguished a footstep stealthily approaching him, and almost hoped that the wizard would consummate his vengeance by taking his life.