[CHAPTER IX]
She recoiled with a violent shudder at first; and hid her face with one hand. Then she gradually stole a horror-stricken side glance.
She had not looked at it so a moment, when she uttered a loud cry, and pointed at its feet with quivering hand.
"THE SHOES! THE SHOES!—IT IS NOT MY GRIFFITH."
With this she fell into violent hysterics, and was carried out of the room at Houseman's earnest entreaty.
As soon as she was gone, Mr. Houseman, being freed from his fear that his client would commit herself irretrievably, recovered a show of composure, and his wits went keenly to work.
"On behalf of the accused," said he, "I admit the suicide of some person unknown, wearing heavy hobnailed shoes; probably one of the lower order of people."
This adroit remark produced some little effect, notwithstanding the strong feeling against the accused.
The coroner inquired if there were any bodily marks by which the remains could be identified.