Eliza drew Mexton to one side, until they were both out of earshot of the scattered groups, and bent forward to whisper in his ear, "Ask her why she went out after they brought home the corpse of Miss Milly?" she said; and before Paul could make any comment on this remark, she laid her finger on her mouth, and walked away. At first Paul intended to follow her, and demand an explanation; but on consideration he deemed it best to take her advice, and ask the question directly of Iris herself. More would be learnt by thus going to the fountain-head. Eliza evidently suspected something; and, afraid to question Iris directly, had hinted her suspicions to Paul that he might do so. With his usual promptitude Mexton sent over his notes on the trial by special messenger to the editor of the "Tory Times" at Marborough; and set forth at a brisk walk to Poverty Villa. He believed firmly at the moment that the saving of Dr. Lester from suffering unjustly lay in the hands of his step-daughter. As he passed along the street towards the desolate house in which the poor girl was waiting, he was surprised to meet with Herne, and still more surprised when Herne stopped to speak; for the man was not over-friendly towards him. "What do you think of the verdict?" asked the squire abruptly. "It seems just enough, going by the evidence," replied Mexton cautiously. "No doubt. This is one of those cases in which circumstantial evidence accumulates to hang an innocent man." "You believe Dr. Lester to be innocent?" "I do--as surely as I believe Lovel to be guilty." "My dear sir!" protested the journalist. "Lovel proved his innocence by an alibi." "No doubt; on the evidence of that old witch Mother Jimboy. Bah! a made-up plot!" "I don't think so, Herne. Why should Mother Jimboy assist Lovel?" "Why?" repeated the squire--"because blood is thicker than water; and, I told you the other day, Lovel has got gipsy blood in his veins." "Who told you so?" "The lady at whose name you blushed when I mentioned it in the Winding Lane." "Catinka?" said Paul, blushing again. "Yes; Catinka, the violinist. Lovel knows her, and told her that his mother was Romany, perhaps the daughter of Gran Jimboy--who knows? That is why the old woman lied." "Because Lovel is her grandson?" "No, no; I am not sure of that; but because Lovel is a half-gipsy. But in spite of the alibi I believe he is guilty. I'll prove his guilt and hang him!" "Why do you hate him so, Herne?" "Because he led that poor girl to her death. I wished to save the soul of Milly; but it is lost, and Lovel is the cause. Besides, I believe it is my duty to succor the afflicted, and of the afflicted Dr. Lester is one. An innocent man shall not die on the scaffold if I can help it. God forbid! I'll save Lester, and hang Lovel. The end of this tragedy has not yet come, Mexton." "But if you----" Herne waved his hand and interrupted Mexton.