Mrs. Halliburton's Troubles

by Mrs. Henry Wood

"In point of fact, then, no one was up except you three servants in the kitchen?"

"Nobody, sir."

"And you heard no noise in the house until the return of Mr. and Mrs. Dare?"

"We never heard nothing," responded Betsy. "We were sitting quietly in the kitchen; me and the lady's-maid at work, and Joseph asleep. We never heard any noise at all."

This was the substance of what was asked her. Joseph was next called, and gave his testimony. He deposed to having fastened up the house at eleven o'clock, with the exception of the dining-room window: that was left open in obedience to orders. All other facts within his knowledge he also testified to. The governess, Signorina Varsini, was called, and questioned upon two points: what she had seen and heard of the quarrel, and of the subsequent conduct of Anthony and Herbert to each other in the drawing-room. But her testimony amounted to nothing, and she might as well not have been troubled. She was also asked whether she had heard any noise in the house between eleven o'clock and the return of Mr. and Mrs. Dare. She replied that she did not hear any, for she had been asleep. She went to sleep long before eleven, and did not wake up until aroused by the commotion caused by the finding of the body. The witness was proceeding to favour the court with her own conviction that the prisoner was innocent, but was brought up with a summary notice that that was not evidence, and that, if she knew nothing more, she might withdraw. Upon which, she honoured the bench with an elaborate curtsey, and retired. Not a witness throughout the day gave evidence with more absolute equanimity.

Lord Hawkesley was examined; also Mr. Brittle—the latter coming to Helstonleigh on his subpœna. But to give the testimony of all the witnesses in length, would only be to repeat what has already been related. It will be sufficient to extract a few questions here and there.

"What were the games played in your rooms that evening?" was asked of Mr. Brittle.

"Some played whist; some écarté."

"At which did the deceased play?"

"At whist."