"Did she ever have any thing to do with him?"
"I never saw them together; in fact, whenever he was in the house she was always in my room. I don't see how it is possible that there could have been any understanding between them. For several years she was under my constant supervision, and if any thing of the kind had happened I would certainly recall it now, even if I had not noticed it at the time."
"Did you ever have any trouble with Mathilde?"
"None whatever."
"Weak natures are sometimes vengeful. Did Mathilde ever experience any treatment which might have excited vengeful feelings?"
"She never experienced any thing but kindness."
"Did your sister treat her with the same kindness?"
"Oh yes--quite so."
"When she lived in England did she ever speak about leaving you, and going back to France?"
"No, never."