“‘No, they are both dead.’

“‘Where and when did they die?’

“‘In the State of Louisiana, ten years ago.’

“‘Were you ever acquainted with a woman named Victoria Totten?’

“At the mention of that name, Mrs. Ragland’s face turned ghastly pale, and she gave a sudden start, as a person would when stung by a wasp, but she promptly answered:

“‘No.’

“‘Did you ever reside in the city of New Orleans?’

“‘No.’

“‘Have you ever been in that city?’

“‘Yes.’