“Yes,” was the almost inaudible reply, and Mrs. Pierce seemed about to break down at the sad recollection.
“You heard the argument between Mr. Crawford and his niece at the dinner table?”
“Yes.”
“This resulted in high words on both sides?”
“Well, I don't know exactly what you mean by high words. Mr. Crawford rarely lost his temper and Florence never.”
“What then did Mr. Crawford say in regard to disinheriting Miss Lloyd?”
“Mr. Crawford said clearly, but without recourse to what may be called high words, that unless Florence would consent to break her engagement he would cut her off with a shilling.”
“Did he use that expression?”
“He did at first, when he was speaking more lightly; then when Florence refused to do as he wished he said he would go that very evening to Mr. Randolph's and have a new will made which should disinherit Florence, except for a small annuity.”
“And what did Miss Lloyd reply to this threat?” asked the coroner.