Crisparkle, and that it had been urged on by Mr.
Crisparkle; and who could say how unwillingly, or in what ill-
conditioned mood, his enforced pupil had gone to it? The more his
case was looked into, the weaker it became in every point. Even
the broad suggestion that the lost young man had absconded, was
rendered additionally improbable on the showing of the young lady
from whom he had so lately parted; for; what did she say, with
great earnestness and sorrow, when interrogated? That he had,
expressly and enthusiastically, planned with her, that he would
await the arrival of her guardian, Mr. 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.
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