Grewgious. And yet, be it
observed, he disappeared before that gentleman appeared.
On the suspicions thus urged and supported, Neville was detained,
and re-detained, and the search was pressed on every hand, and
Jasper laboured night and day. But nothing more was found. No
discovery being made, which proved the lost man to be dead, it at
length became necessary to release the person suspected of having
made away with him. Neville was set at large. Then, a consequence
ensued which Mr. Crisparkle had too well foreseen. Neville must
leave the place, for the place shunned him and cast him out. Even
had it not been so, the dear old china shepherdess would have
worried herself to death with fears for her son, and with general
trepidation occasioned by their having such an inmate. Even had
that not been so, the authority to which the Minor Canon deferred
officially, would have settled the point.
'Mr. Crisparkle,' quoth the Dean, 'human justice may err, but it
must act according to its lights. The days of taking sanctuary are
past. This young man must not take sanctuary with us.'
'You mean that he must leave my house, sir?'
'Mr. Crisparkle,' returned the prudent Dean, 'I claim no authority
in your house. I merely confer with you, on the painful necessity
you find yourself under, of depriving this young man of the great
advantages of your counsel and instruction.'
'It is very lamentable, sir,' Mr. Crisparkle represented.
'Very much so,' the Dean assented.
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