The inquest was held in Pellbrook. The big living room was filled with interested listeners, who also crowded the hall, and drifted into the dining room. The room where Mrs. Pell had died was closed to all, but curiosity-seekers hovered around it outside, and inspected the steel protected windows, and discoursed wisely of secret passages and concealed exits.
As the one known to have last spoken with her aunt, Iris was closely questioned. But her replies were of no help in getting at the truth. She admitted that she and her aunt quarreled often, and agreed that that was the real reason she had decided to go to New York to live.
But her answers were curt, even angry at times, and her manner was haughty and resentful.
Great emphasis was laid by the coroner on the tenor of the last words that passed between Iris and her aunt.
The girl admitted that they were quarrelsome words, but declared she did not remember exactly what had been said.
Something in the expression of the maid, Agnes, caught the eye of the coroner, and he suddenly turned to her, saying, "Did you overhear this conversation?"
Taken aback by the unexpected question, Agnes stammered, "Yes, sir, I did."
"Where were you?"
"In the dining room, clearing the table."
"Where was Miss Clyde?"