Evelyn Thaw, when first she told her story of alleged wrongs at the hand of the dead architect, did not falter in details as to the approximate time and circumstances.
“Counsel for the defense,” said the attorney, in speaking of the progress, “are greatly pleased with Mrs. Thaw and her testimony. What pleases us most is that she followed the instructions given her, which were that she should tell the truth, no matter what question was asked her. We told her she was not to consider the effect upon herself or the defendant, but to tell the truth bluntly and without consideration of the consequences.”
CHAPTER XII.
The Hidden Witness to the Proposal.
MRS. CAINE TELLS HOW HARRY THAW OFFERED EVELYN’S MOTHER A VAST AMOUNT OF CASH FOR HER HAND—EVELYN RECALLED TO THE STAND—TELLS OF POSING IN STUDIOS—ANOTHER DAY OF TORTURE—THE VISIT TO THE “DEAD RAT”—MRS. THAW IN TEARS—HUSBAND WEEPS WHEN SHE IS FORCED TO TELL HOW SHE WAS FOUND BY A VISITOR TO WHITE’S STUDIO—ADMITS SHE VISITED HIM OFTEN AFTER THE “MIRRORED STUDIO” INCIDENT—ALMOST FAINTS ON STAND—HUSBAND IN TEARS—EVELYN IN DELIRIUM AFTER THE ORDEAL.
The next sensation in the trial came when Mrs. J. J. Caine, of Boston, a close friend of Evelyn Nesbit and her mother. Mrs. Holman, testified that Harry Thaw pleaded with Evelyn’s mother for her hand in marriage. The scene which she dramatically described, occurred in New York, in 1903. Mrs. Holman was entertaining Mrs. Caine in her apartments at the time and when the young millionaire called, Mrs. Caine concealed herself in a bathroom where she overheard all that took place.
Mrs. Caine testified as follows:
“Harry Thaw entered the room excitedly and at once told Mrs. Holman that he wanted to marry Evelyn. He told the mother of his desire to send the girl to Europe and said if she would marry him he would settle enough on the mother and her son, Howard Nesbit, to keep them in comfort during their entire lives. (Later testimony indicated this amount was $200,000.)
Evelyn’s mother said she would try to fix it so the seventeen-year-old girl would accept him. Mr. Thaw did not stay long, and when he left, Evelyn’s mother said, “Now you see his intentions are honorable.”
Thaw had never before known his conversation was overheard by an eavesdropper who would stand him in such good stead.
After Mrs. Caine left the stand Mrs. Evelyn Thaw was recalled for cross examination. For hours she sat before the merciless Jerome under a scathing cross fire of questions. Traps were laid and sprung, queries were hurled in volleys to carry her off her feet and overwhelm her in a tangle of contradictions, but all in vain; the mere slip of a girl met the skilled prosecutor with a calm and effective resistance.