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 gently moved from his hold, and anxious to terminate the scene, silently motioned the officers to proceed. Struck with the calmness and dignity of his manner, and fully impressed by it with the notion of his innocence, the officers treated him with a marked respect; they did not even walk by his side, but suffered him to follow their steps. As they descended the stairs, Aram turned round to Walter, with a bitter and reproachful countenance:

"And so, young man, your malice against me has reached even to this; will nothing but my life content you?"

"Is the desire of execution on my father's murderer, but the wish of malice?" retorted Walter; though his heart yet well nigh misgave him as to the grounds on which his suspicion rested.

Aram smiled, as half in scorn, half tnrough incredulity, and shaking his head gently, moved on without farther words.

The three old women who had remained in listening astonishment at the foot of the stairs, gave Rh