Have I not--it is a hideous question--have I not been hasty in the admission of her present evidence, against that which she formerly gave me to a very--very different purpose ?" Mr.Oldbuck paused a moment, and then answered with firmness--"No, my lord; I cannot think you have any reason to suspect the truth of what she has told you last, from no apparent impulse but the urgency of conscience.

Her confession was voluntary, disinterested, distinct, consistent with itself, and with all the other known circumstances of the case.

I would lose no time, however, in examining and arranging the other documents to which she has referred; and I also think her own statement should be taken down, if possible in a formal manner.

We thought of setting about this together.

But it will be a relief to your lordship, and moreover have a more impartial appearance, were I to attempt the investigation alone in the capacity of a magistrate.