unded a man so proud and susceptible. This,
I believe, was the real reason of his quitting Knaresbro' almost
immediately after that examination. And some of us, who felt for him
and were convinced of his innocence, persuaded the others to hush up the
circumstance of his examination, nor has it generally transpired, even
to this day, when the whole business is well nigh forgot. But as to his
subsequent improvement of circumstance, there is no doubt of his aunt's
having left him a legacy sufficient to account for it."

Walter bowed his head, and felt his suspicions waver, when the Curate
renewed.

"Yet it is but fair to tell you, who seem so deeply interested in the
fate of Clarke, that since that period rumours have reached my ear that
the woman at whose house Aram lodged has from time to time dropped words
that require explanation--hints that she could tell a tale--that
she knows more than men will readily believe--nay, once she was even
reported to have said that the life of Eugene Aram was in her power."

"Father of mercy! and did Inquiry sleep on words so calling for its
liveliest examination?"

"Not wholly--on their being brought to me, I went to the house, but
found the woman, whose habits and character are low and worthless, was
abrupt and insolent in her manner; and after in vain endeavouring
to call forth some explanation of the words she was reported to have
uttered, I left the house fully persuaded that she had only given vent
to a meaningless boast, and that the idle words of a disorderly gossip
could not be taken as evidence against a man of the blameless character
and austere habits of Aram. Since, however, you have now re-awakened
investigation, we will visit her before you leave the town; and it may
be as well too, that Houseman should undergo a further investigation
before we suffer him to depart."

"I thank you! I thank you--I will not let slip one thread of this dark
clue."

"And now," said the Curate, pointing to a decent house, "we have reached
the lodging Clarke occupied in the town!"

An old man of respectable appearance opened the door, and welcomed the
Curate and his companion with an air of cordial respect which attested
the well-deserved popularity of the former.

"We have come," said the Curate, "to ask you some questions respecting
Daniel Clarke, whom you remember as your lodger. This gentleman is a
relation of his, and interested deeply in his fate!"

"What, Sir!" quoth the old ma