“She saw you, of course?”

“She seemed scarcely conscious of my presence until we had passed; she then turned and watched me as I entered the library.”

“What was the nature of the conversation which you heard?”

“I only heard what Mrs. LaGrange said.  She evidently was very angry with Mr. Mainwaring.”

“Can you repeat her words as you heard them?”

“Not entirely.  She accused Mr. Mainwaring of dishonesty, saying that he had defrauded his only brother, and had ignored and robbed his own son to put a stranger in his place.  The last words I heard were, ’You are in my power, and you know it only too well; and I will make you and your high-born, purse-proud family rue this day’s work.’”

Harry Scott, with the proof of his employer’s crimes in his possession, repeated these words with an indifference and impassiveness that seemed unnatural, while the smouldering fire in his eyes gleamed fitfully, as though he knew some secret of which the others little dreamed.

But, if spoken indifferently, the words were not received with indifference.  The reporters bent to their task with renewed ardor, since it promised developments so rich and racy.  Ralph Mainwaring’s face was dark with suppressed wrath; Mr. Thornton seemed hardly able to restrain himself; while the attorney grew pale with excitement and anger.  Mrs. LaGrange alone remained unmoved, as much so as the witness himself, her eyes half closed and a cynical smile playing about her lips as she listened to the repetition of her own words.

“Did Mr. Mainwaring make no reply?” inquired the coroner.

“He did, but it was inaudible to me.”

“You went into the library as soon as he was alone?”

“I did.”

“At what hour was this?”

“A few minutes past twelve.”

“Was that the last time you saw Mr. Mainwaring living?”

“It was.”

“Can you state whether any one was in his rooms after you left?”

“I cannot.”

“Mr. Scott, by your own statement, you must have been in Mr. Mainwaring’s library within an hour preceding his death; consequently, I would like you to give every detail of that interview.”

“I am perfectly willing, sir, but there are few to give.  The interview occupied possibly ten minutes.  Mr. Mainwaring appeared very weary, and, after giving directions regarding any personal mail or telegrams which might be received, stated that he wished me to consider myself his guest on the following day and join in the festivities of the occasion.  I thanked him, and, wishing him good-night, withdrew.”

“In which room were you?”

“We were both in the library.  When I first entered, Mr. Mainwaring was walking back and forth, his hands folded behind him, as was usually his habit when thinking deeply, but he immediately seated himself and gave me my instructions.  The tower-room was dimly lighted and the curtains were drawn quite closely together at the entrance.”