"You were acquainted with Mrs. Darwin before her marriage. Was it merely in the capacity of her friend?" He spoke diffidently, as if anxious not to offend my sensibilities.
I debated the point and finally came to the conclusion that there was no object in airing the family skeleton, more particularly as it might get Dick into trouble with the authorities and thus set at naught Ruth's dearly bought sacrifice.
I bowed therefore and replied quietly, "Yes, your honor, I was merely her friend."
The coroner gave me a swift glance from beneath half-closed lids as he fingered a sheet of paper thoughtfully.
"You said that Mrs. Darwin entered the study to reclaim a paper which was of value to you, did you not?" he inquired.
"Yes," I answered, briefly.
"Is this the paper?" he continued in a peculiar tone, holding up the letter that Ruth had described to me.
"I have no idea," I retorted.
"What do you mean by that?" he continued sharply.
"Mrs. Darwin simply told me that in the study-table drawer was a letter which her husband could use against me. I urged her to retrieve it. Never having seen it I cannot possibly say whether the paper in your hand is the one or not," I returned, quietly.