“Yes, and——”

“And what?”

“And guilty.” Joyce said the words solemnly, as one unwillingly pronouncing a doom.

“Mrs. Stannard, I must be unpleasantly personal. Can you think of any reason why Miss Vernon would desire your husband’s death?”

Joyce trembled visibly. “I cannot answer a question like that,” she said, in a low tone.

“I’m sorry,—but you must.”

“No, then,” and Joyce looked squarely at Natalie. “I cannot imagine why she should desire his death. I certainly cannot.”

“But any reason why she should dislike him, or wish him ill?”

“N-no.”

“Think again.”