“But anything that bears on the question at issue can scarcely be irrelevant,” said the coroner. “I think it would be better if you would answer the question.”
Fensden paused for a moment while the Court waited in suspense.
“I repeat my question,” said the superintendent. “Why did the deceased so suddenly lose her employment?”
Once more Victor hesitated. Godfrey looked at him in surprise. Why did he not go on?
“We decided to travel on account of a conversation Mr. Henderson and I had concerning the girl.”
“What was that conversation?” inquired the coroner.
Once more Fensden seemed to hesitate.
“Did the conversation refer to the deceased?”
“It did!”
“I gather from your reluctance to answer that you were afraid Mr. Henderson might become attached to her, so you used your friendly influence in order to hurry him away as quickly as possible? Am I right in so supposing?”