Andrea continued by confirming that the laboratory manual that had been used in the course for two years was indeed written by Diana in her own home, with her own equipment and on her own time. She, Andrea, had witnessed this and had helped with the proof reading.
Feigning a bored expression that he did not feel, Henry asked if she had any evidence specific to the critiques in question.
"No, nothing specific, except if she were out to discredit someone on the faculty, she would certainly have brains enough to do something effective—not play with SmurFFs," Andrea delivered, with a chuckle. Then she continued in a serious, almost censoring tone, "I'm surprised that you actually take this charge seriously. You should have better sense. The whole campus is laughing at you."
As Henry seemed on the verge of apoplexy, Anuse quickly asked who her aunt was.
Andrea looked directly at him and answered, "Dr. Biggot. She teaches nutrition to the freshman medical students."
Esther wanted to be clear. "Your aunt confirmed in both cases, hers and Trenchant, that this was an underlying way of getting rid of them."
"Exactly. She felt that they were not welcome in the department and that this was a way to encourage them to move on."
"Now, we'll have no more of this," Henry interjected, "we really can't take second hand information here. I have already warned you people on the panel about this."
"All I did was have her repeat what she'd said already," Esther squeaked, "I didn't ask the question."
Henry was not pacified by her remark. More information positive toward Trenchant was being presented then he was willing to hear—or then he wanted the panel to hear. He turned to Trenchant and said harshly, "your witnesses must address the charge here. Since this witness does not have any information directly relating to that charge, she is excused."