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 way from his brother's cottage. As to his brother, in the most impassioned manner he protested a heart more noble, more humane than his never lodged within a breast; consequently it could not be supposed he had entered into so horrible a plot.

'I enquired whether he could form any conjecture about the first contrivers of it? None, he replied in a solemn manner. I then told him of my not being able to find the body: this renewed his grief, and by the first dawn of day, he said he would endeavour to discover it. As to Claude, he agreed with me there was little probability of any search after him being successful.

'I bid him return to the cottage, nor come to the castle unless sent for. I think his fidelity may be depended on; but I shall not put it to the test by entrusting him with your situation.

'The domestics are at present ignorant of the cause of your disorder, as well as of the death of your brother; there is no doubt but what they will soon be acquainted with