from previous-

-the  senior members  of  the  society  were  gathered  there  clad  in black  gowns  and  holding   flamed  torches, others  were instructed  not  to  look at  them  and  keep  their  heads  lowered, they  had  been  sitting  there  just  a  few  minutes  when  a  loud  resonant  voice  was  heard declaring  they  all  were  the  selected  chosen  ones , members  of  the  society  and  he  welcomed  them al and gave  them  his  greetings