have been
one of comparative prosperity to the Meager ladies,--but for that
inopportune return of the head of the family,--as two other lodgers
had been inclined to look out upon the dead wall, or else into the
cheerful back-yard; which circumstance came to have some bearing
upon our story, as Mrs. Meager had been driven by the press of her
increased household to let that good-natured Mr. Emilius know that
if "he didn't mind it" the latch-key might be an accommodation on
occasions. To give him his due, indeed, he had, when first taking the
rooms, offered to give up the key when not intending to be out at
night.

After the murder Mr. Emilius had been arrested, and had been kept in
durance for a week. Miss Meager had been sure that he was innocent;
Mrs. Meager had trusted the policemen, who evidently thought that
the clergyman was guilty. Of the policemen who were concerned on the
occasion, it may be said in a general way that they believed that
both the gentlemen had committed the murder,--so anxious were they
not to be foiled in the attempts at discovery which their duty called
upon them to make. Mr. Meager had left the house on the morning of
the arrest, having arranged that little matter of the five-pound note
by a compromise. When the policeman came for Mr. Emilius, Mr. Meager
was gone. For a day or two the lodger's rooms were kept vacant for
the clergyman till Mrs. Meager became quite convinced that he had
committed the murder, and then all his things were packed up and
placed in the passage. When he was liberated he returned to the
house, and expressed unbounded anger at what had been done. He took
his two boxes away in a cab, and was seen no more by the ladies of
Northumberland Street.

But a further gleam of prosperity fell upon them in consequence of
the tragedy which had been so interesting to them. Hitherto the
inquiries made at their house had had reference solely to the habits
and doings of their lodger during the last few days; but now there
came to them a visitor who made a more extended investigation; and
this was one of their own sex. It was Madame Goesler who got out
of the cab at the workhouse corner, and walked from thence to Mrs.
Meager's house. This was her third appearance in Northumberland
Street, and at each coming she had spoken kind words, and had left
behind her liberal recompense for the trouble which she gave. She
had no scruples as to paying for the evidence which she desired to
obtain,