The family physician, who was present at the inquest, arose in his place and said:
"Miss Levison, sir, is not now available as a witness. She is lying in her chamber, nearly at the point of death, with brain fever."
"Lord bless my soul, I am sorry to hear that! But it is no wonder, poor young lady, after such a shock," said the kind-hearted coroner.
"But here, sir," continued the doctor, "is a witness who, I think, will be able to give us some light."
CHAPTER IX.
AFTER THE DISCOVERY.
"Sir, if you please, I request that this witness be immediately placed under examination," said Lord Arondelle, who sat, with pale, stern visage, among the spectators, now addressing the coroner.
"Yes, certainly, my lord. Let the man be called," answered the latter.
A short, stout, red-haired and freckle-faced boy, clothed in a well-worn suit of gray tweed, came forward and was duly sworn.