The coroner flushed at her tone. "Was Julie discontented with her place?" he asked, somewhat harshly.
"I have no reason to suppose so; she never complained."
"How did you come to employ her?"
"A friend of mine brought her to this country, and a year later Julie came to me; she was highly recommended."
"Has she any relatives in this country to whom she might have gone?"
"None that I ever heard of." Mrs. Whitney reflected for a second, then added, "Julie told me some months ago that her only near relatives had been killed in the war in France."
"Was Julie a well trained servant?"
"She was indeed; also good-natured, thoughtful, and obedient."
"When did you last see Julie?"
"Downstairs, when giving final directions to Vincent. I told her to assist him in closing the house, and then go direct to bed; that I would undress myself as it was so late."