After the murder of her husband she appears to have been animated by a profound hatred of Peace, and naturally so. The various statements she made tend, nevertheless, to show that she had an intimate knowledge of him, and knew his real character.
She scouted the then prevalent idea that he had drowned himself or otherwise put an end to his existence. She was certain, she stated, that he was not so far away, but that he would return and “finish” her.
It was not her husband he intended to shoot, but herself. She regretted she had not a revolver when she met Peace; in that case she should herself have shot him dead. She was convinced that he would escape capture till he had put a bullet through her head as well as her husband’s.
Her only protection was to have a revolver herself, and if he came she declared she should use it. These and other statements show the views Mrs. Dyson had at that time.
Her examination at the inquest was looked forward to with great interest. Then it was believed revelations would be made by her as to her knowledge of Peace, but in fact nothing transpired.
She positively repudiated the notion that there was anything kept back, or that Peace was anything more to her than he had been to her husband.
The following are some of her replies in answer to the Coroner, who pressed her very closely upon this point:—
Had there ever been a quarrel between you and your husband with regard to Peace?—No. No quarrrel.
You are quite sure that he never quarrelled with you on account of your familiarity with Peace?—No; I am sure he has not.
Has he ever complained of your speaking to Peace?—He did not wish me to speak to him.