“‘What reply did you make to such questions?’
“‘I evaded the questions by changing the conversation to other topics, but she would whip round and get back to the same subject. She persisted in pumping me on the subject, until my suspicions were roused, and I avoided her after that.’
“‘Where were you when you had the last conversation with her about strychnine?’
“‘She commenced the conversation at my apartments, but continued to talk on the same subject after we got into the street.’
“‘She had been visiting you at your rooms, then?’
“‘Yes.’
“‘Did you ever meet Miss Bramlett in Mr. Ragland’s garden?’
“‘Yes, very often.’
‘“If the court please,’ said Mr. Rockland, ‘I do most earnestly protest against this sort of evidence.’
“‘Hush, papa!’ whispered Lottie, as she kept plucking at Mr. Rockland s sleeve, ‘let him go on; he is already in my trap, and is one of the main birds I have set the net to catch!’