I think he would have done it, too, had not a policeman thrust him out into the hall, where he remained to curse Orton roundly before he moved away. A servant's loyalty to a sweet and gentle mistress, and I determined it should not go unrewarded, for nowadays such loyalty is rare.
The murmur of approval that followed this act showing in what odium the secretary was held by the servants, made the coroner a little doubtful of his man and more than ever anxious that his statement be properly substantiated.
"Have you any reason to suspect Mrs. Darwin other than the fact that she held the pistol in her hand?" he asked after due deliberation.
"She knew that Mr. Darwin kept a pistol in the drawer of this table and she had quarreled with him an hour and a half before," replied Orton with a triumphant expression on his pale face.
"She quarreled with him, you say? Tell me all you know about it."
"Mr. Darwin was away for dinner and I believe he returned about ten-thirty, but of this I cannot be absolutely sure, since he has a key of his own and I was in the study with the door closed."
"What were you doing in the study?" interrupted the coroner.
"I was answering some letters which Mr. Darwin had left for me," replied Orton.
"Mason testified that the study was usually kept locked," continued the coroner. "Have you also a duplicate key?"
"No, I have no key. He told me he would leave the door open for me and he unlocked it before he left the house," returned Orton, quietly.