rove.

However well disposed to impress the natives with high notions of his
extraordinary refinement and importance, he very soon discovered that, in
Marston, he had stumbled upon a man of the world, and one thoroughly
versed in the ways and characters of London life. After some ineffectual
attempts, therefore, to overawe and astonish his host, Mr. Skelton became
aware of the fruitlessness of the effort, and condescended to abate
somewhat of his pretensions. Marston could not avoid inviting this
person to pass the night at his house, an invitation which was accepted,
of course; and next morning, after a late breakfast, Mr. Skelton
observed, with a yawn--"And now, about this body--poor Berkley!--what do
you propose to do with him?"

"I have no proposition to make," said Marston, drily. "It is no affair of
mine, except that the body may be removed without more delay. I have no
suggestion to offer."

"H----'s notion was to have him buried as near the spot as may be,"
said Skelton.

Marston nodded.

"There is a kind of vault, is not there, in the demesne, a family
burial-place?" inquired the visitor.

"Yes, sir," replied Marston, curtly.

"Well?" drawled Skelton.

"Well, sir, what then?" responded Marston.

"Why, as the wish of the parties is to have him buried--poor fellow!--as
quietly as possible, I think he might just as well be laid there as
anywhere else!"

"Had I desired it, Mr. Skelton, I should myself have made the offer,"
said Marston, abruptly.

"Then you don't wish it?" said Skelton.

"No, sir; certainly not--most peremptorily not," answered Marston, with
more sharpness than, in his early days, he would have thought quite
consistent with politeness.

"Perhaps," replied Skelton, for want of something better to say, and with
a callous sort of levity; "perhaps you hold the idea--some people
do--that murdered men can't rest in their graves until their murderers
have expiated their guilt?"

Marston made no reply, but shot two or three lurid glances from under his
brow at the speaker.

"Well, then, at all events," continued Skelton, indolently resuming his
theme, "if you decline your assistance, may I, at least, hope for your
advice? Knowing nothing of this country, I would ask you whither you
would recommend me to have the body conveyed?"

"I don't care to advise in the matter," said Marston; "but if I were
directing, I should have the remains buried in Chester. It is not more
than twenty miles