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A MURDER lends to the locality in which it is perpetrated a certain left-handed fame which those of its inhabitants who appear most disgusted most enjoy. Human nature being what it is, trouble and misery have a larger sale-value to newspapers than have comfort and happiness. Nothing makes a newspaper reader more conscious of the emptiness of his journal than to learn that his insignificant neighbour has unexpectedly inherited a fortune. Therefore it is only natural that when the average man or woman finds himself or herself promoted from mere observer to participant, however indirect, he or she experiences a queer satisfaction that is no less satisfying because it is queer.
The woman of the house may shudder and make unusual efforts to "keep it from the children," but she listens avidly to the cook's inside story of the crime that was committed next door, and presses for further details. The man may express his horror and indignation and talk of leaving his house and finding another in a less notorious neighbourhood, but for years he will point out to his visitors and guests the window of the room where the fell deed was done.