The next moment he threw up his arms and, with a gasp, fell forward.
Stafford caught him as a cry of terror rose from the crowd which fell
back as if suddenly awed by some dreadful presence; and forcing his way
through it a famous doctor reached the father and son.
There was a moment of awful suspense, then--the music sounded like a
mockery in the silence--all knew, though no word had been spoken, that
the great Sir Stephen--pardon! the Right Honourable the Earl of
Highcliffe--was dead.