“‘No.’
“‘Don’t you know that it is the handwriting of Mr. Bowles?’
“‘I don’t think it is, though it somewhat resembles his writing.’
“‘Here is another letter which I want you to examine, and then tell me if you ever saw it before.’
“Mrs. Ragland’s agitation now increased until her body was shaking like one in an ague fit, while her face lost all signs of blood, and the letter fairly rattled in her hand as she attempted to read it.
“‘I never saw that paper until this very minute.’
“‘Now, Mrs. Ragland, if you never saw that letter before to-day, will you be so good as to explain how it came to be concealed in the pocket of one of your silk dresses?’
“‘How should I be expected to explain how it came there, when I did not know it was there, and when I did not have anything to do with it? I dare say Miss Bramlett could give you the information you seek, for if it was found in the pocket of my dress, you may be sure she placed it there, in order to avert suspicion from herself, and to fix it on me. You see that the letter was directed to her, and as she was in the habit of wearing my dresses very frequently, it may be possible that she left it there by mistake.’
“Lottie then, in a low whisper, requested Mr. Rockland to read the letter to the jury.
“‘If the court please’ said the iron lawyer, as he rose from his seat, ‘we now offer the letter as evidence in this case, and ask permission to read it to the jury.’