"Yes; but what do you mean? You are perplexing and terrifying me. Pray speak plainly to me."
"I shall very soon be done. Remember, I told you I should ask no question that was not absolutely essential. Now, from the time you and Mr. Davenport entered that house, and until Mr. Paulton and the doctor entered it, had any other person access to it?"
She grasped the edge of the table near her. She trembled as in an ague. Her lips grew as pallid as her brow. She did not speak.
"Remember, anything you communicate is privileged, and will not find its way abroad through me. I am trying to get the means of protecting you. Of course you are fully at liberty to refuse to answer me now; but all questions will have to be answered at the inquest."
"Inquest!" she whispered, in a voice of abject terror. She rose to her feet and stood swaying to and fro, one hand still grasping the table. "Inquest! Mr. Paulton said there would be no inquest. There shall be no inquest."
"The bottle was found empty."
"Oh, Heaven, take away my life from me!"
"Was Blake in the house that night?"
She took her hand from the table and stood still a moment, looking upward. Then slowly she raised both her arms aloft, and cried:
"Hear Thou my prayer!"