"Did you then make Mr. Sinclair Spencer's acquaintance?"
"No." She moved involuntarily at the mention of Spencer's name. "I had known him previously. He was one of father's friends, and much older than I."
"Were you not reported engaged to him last fall?"
Kathleen flushed at the question. "I never heard of it," she said coldly.
"I do not encourage gossip."
"Miss Whitney." Coroner Penfield surreptitiously scanned a small note handed him before the commencement of the inquest. The handwriting was distinctly foreign. "Miss Whitney," repeated Penfield. "Did you not refuse Mr. Spencer's offer of marriage on Tuesday morning?"
For a moment Kathleen stared at him in speechless surprise. "Where did you get that piece of information?" she demanded, recovering herself.
"You have not answered my question, Miss Whitney," and the quiet persistence of his manner impressed Kathleen.
"Yes, I refused him," she admitted.
"Did Mr. Spencer make any attempt to persuade you to reconsider your refusal?"
"Yes." Kathleen shot an impatient look at the coroner. "I cannot see what my private affairs have to do with the regrettable death of Mr. Spencer," she protested.