Margaret Hopkins, widow, deposed on oath. She was landlady of the Brewer’s Dray inn at Longbridge. The inn was situated to the east of the town and a little outside it on the Winton Road. One afternoon, about five weeks ago, a lady and gentleman had called at her inn, wanting tea, and a private room to drink it in. They were shown up to a chamber on the first floor, where the gentleman ordered a fire to be lighted. Tea was brought them by witness herself, and they had remained there shut in a long time together—a couple of hours perhaps. They were very affectionate with one another, and had gone away, when they did go, very lovingly arm in arm. The gentleman was Mr. Hugo Kennett, whom she now saw in Court, and whom she had recognised for the male stranger at once. The name of the lady accompanying him she had had no means of ascertaining, but her companion had addressed her as Annie.
Mr. Redstall, rising to cross-examine witness, put the following questions:—
Q. Will you swear to Mr. Kennett having been the gentleman in question?
A. Yes, on my oath, sir.
Q. You already knew Mr. Kennett by sight, eh?
A. No, I did not, sir. I had never seen him before, and have never seen him since till to-day. I hadn’t been settled in Longbridge not a two-month at the time he come.
Q. You say the two appeared to be on affectionate terms. On companionable terms would perhaps be the truer expression, eh?
A. As you choose, sir, if that means behaving like lovers together. (Laughter.)
Q. What do you mean by like lovers? They would hardly have made a display of their sentiments before you.
A. Not intentional perhaps, sir; but I come upon them unexpected when I brought in the tea; and there they was a’sitting on the sofy together, as close and as fond as two turtle-doves. (Laughter.)