The Court was in an uproar at the strange occurrence, and at first it was thought she had merely fainted through excitement. A doctor, however, being present, came forward, and knelt down by Mrs. Verschoyle, who was now breathing stertorously.
He glanced at her pain-drawn face, felt her pulse, and while he was doing so the heavy breathing stopped.
"What is the matter?" asked the judge, bending forward; "is it a faint?"
The doctor raised his head.
"No, my Lord--it is death!"
"Death!" echoed several voices, and the Court arose in confusion.
"Yes--she has burst a blood vessel in the brain."
Dead! Dead! Yes, Mrs. Verschoyle was dead--in the very moment of her triumph!