A. “No.”
Q. “There now, Jane. Think carefully and see if you recall having seen another man or woman in the apartment following Mr. De Medici’s leaving.”
Again the housekeeper stared distractedly at the crowd of listeners.
A. “No.”
Q. “On the night of Mr. Ballau’s death, when you were questioned by Lieutenant Norton you said that you remembered catching a glimpse of a tall man with a black beard. Have you forgotten that?”
The housekeeper regarded the coroner with frightened eyes. For several moments she remained silent.
Q. “Come, Jane, do you remember that?”
A. “Oh, yes. I remember now. I only saw him for a second. I’d forgotten about that. A tall man with a black, pointed beard.”
Q. “Had you ever seen that man before?”
Tears came suddenly into the housekeeper’s eyes. The coroner paused with a great show of tenderness as she dried them.