Page:Eugene Aram vol 3 - Lytton (1832).djvu/82

 thrilling than pathos alone. He, now kneeling beside the corpse of Houseman's child, was son to the man of whose murder Houseman had been suspected—The childless and the fatherless! might there be no retribution here?

When this ceremony was over, and the Curate and Walter escaped from the incoherent blessings and complaints of the women of the house, they, with difficulty resisting the impression the scene had left upon their minds, once more continued on their errand.

"This is no time," said Walter, musingly, "for an examination of Houseman; yet it must not be forgotten."

The Curate did not reply for some moments; and then, as an answer to the remark, observed that the conversation they anticipated with Aram's former hostess might throw some light on their researches. They now proceeded to another part of the town, and arrived at a lonely and desolate-looking house, which seemed to wear in its very appearance something strange, sad, and ominous.