"Do you suppose the allusion was to Lieutenant Gulston?"
"I thought so at the time, and that was one of the reasons why I did not wish him to enter. I thought by my cousin's tone that did Lieutenant Gulston enter at that moment an assault might take place."
"What happened after the lieutenant, in compliance with your request, left you?"
"I waited a minute or two and then went in. My sister was alone. She was naturally much vexed at what had taken place."
"Will you tell me exactly what she said?"
Again Reginald Carne hesitated.
"I really don't think," he said after a pause, "that my sister meant what she said. She was indignant and excited, and I don't think that her words could be taken as evidence."
"The jury will make all allowances, Mr. Carne. I have to ask you to tell them the words."
"I cannot tell you the precise words," he said, "for she spoke for some little time. She began by saying that she had been grossly insulted by her cousin, and that she must insist that he did not enter the house again, for if he did she would certainly leave it. She said he was mad with passion; that he was in such a state that she did not feel her life was safe with him. I am sure, gentlemen, she did not at all mean what she said, but she was in a passion herself and would, I am sure, when she was cool, have spoken very differently."
There was a deep silence in the room. At last the coroner said: