pply. I went up to him, and, pointing to the house in question, asked
him who lived there.

He answered, "Mr. Matthews."

"What is his profession,--his way of life?"

"A gentleman. He does nothing but walk about."

"How long has he been married?"

"Married! He is not married as I know on. He never has been married. He
is a bachelor."

This intelligence was unexpected. It made me pause to reflect whether I
had not mistaken the house. This, however, seemed impossible. I renewed
my questions.

"A bachelor, say you? Are you not mistaken?"

"No. It would be an odd thing if he was married. An old fellow, with one
foot in the grave--Comical enough for him to _git_ a _vife_!"

"An old man? Does he live alone? What is his family?"

"No, he does not live alone. He has a niece that lives with him. She is
married, and her husband lives there too."

"What is his name?"

"I don't know. I never heard it as I know on."

"What is his trade?"

"He's a merchant; he keeps a store somewhere or other; but I don't know
where."

"How long has he been married?"

"About two years. They lost a child lately. The young woman was in a
huge taking about it. They say she was quite crazy some days for the
death of the child; and she is not quite out of _the dumps_ yet.
To-be-sure, the child was a sweet little thing; but they need not make
such a rout about it. I'll war'n' they'll have enough of them before
they die."

"What is the character of the young man? Where was he born and educated?
Has he parents or brothers?"

My companion was incapable of answering these questions, and I left him
with little essential addition to the knowledge I already possessed.

CHAPTER VII.

After viewing various parts of the city, intruding into churches, and
diving into alleys, I returned. The rest of the day I spent chiefly in
my chamber, reflecting on my new condition; surveying my apartment, its
presses and closets; and conjecturing the causes of appearances.

At dinner and supper I was alone. Venturing to inquire of the servant
where his master and mistress were, I was answered that they were
engaged. I did not question him as to the nature of their engagement,
though it was a fertile source of curiosity.

Next morning, at breakfast, I again met Welbeck and the lady. The
incidents were nearly those of the preceding morning, if it were not
that the lady exhibited tokens of somewhat greater uneasiness. When she
left us, Welbeck sa