“‘Mrs. Ragland,’ said Lottie, in a tone full of gentleness, ‘did you ever know a young man named Charles Everson?’
“‘No.’
“‘Why, then, did you give such a sudden start when I mentioned his name?’
“‘I don’t know that I did any such thing; but what if I did: is it strange that I should be nervous and restless under the circumstances by which I am surrounded?”
“‘Mrs. Ragland, did you at any time wear a blue silk dress that belonged to Miss Bramlett?’
“‘No, I did not; why should I borrow any of her silk dresses when I had plenty of my own?’
“‘That, madame, is the very strange mystery which we are endeavoring to solve. Are you willing to state on your oath that you never at any time wore a blue silk gown of Miss Bramlett’s?’
“‘Have I not just now stated it under oath? How many times do you wish me to say it?’
“‘Mrs. Ragland, where did you first make the acquaintance of Mr. Bowles?’
“‘In Memphis!’