"Did those attentions cease about the time that you became so friendly with Mr. Wallingford?"
"Well, they didn't altogether cease."
"But, shall we say, fell off?"
Mrs. Saumarez hesitated, obviously disliking the question.
"I have always been friends with Dr. Wellesley," she said eventually.
"All the same, has your friendship with him been quite what it was originally, since you became so very friendly with the late Mayor?"
"Well, perhaps not."
"Will you give me a plain answer to this question? Was there any jealousy aroused between Dr. Wellesley and Mr. Wallingford because of you?"
This time Mrs. Saumarez took a long time to answer. She seemed to be thinking, reflecting. And when she replied it was only to question the Coroner:
"Am I obliged to answer that?" she asked.