“I first saw the prisoner at ‘Elm Bluff’, on the afternoon previous to Gen’l Darrington’s death.  When I came out of the house, she was sitting bareheaded on the front steps, fanning herself with her hat, and while I was untying my horse, she followed Bedney into the library.  The blinds were open and I saw her pass the window, walking in the direction of the bedroom.”

Mr. Churchill:  “At that time did you suspect her relationship to your client, Gen’l Darrington?”

“I did not.”

“What was the impression left upon your mind?”

“That she was a distinguished stranger, upon some important errand.”

“She excited your suspicions at once?”

“Nothing had occurred to justify suspicion.  My curiosity was aroused.  Several hours later I was again at ‘Elm Bluff’ on legal business, and found Gen’l Darrington much disturbed in consequence of an interview with the prisoner, who, he informed me, was the child of his daughter, whom he had many years previous disowned and disinherited.  In referring to this interview, his words were:  ’I was harsh to the girl, so harsh that she turned upon me, savage as a strong cub defending a crippled, helpless dam.  Mother and daughter know now that the last card has been played; for I gave the girl distinctly to understand, that at my death Prince would inherit every iota of my estate, and that my will had been carefully written in order to cut them off without a cent.’”

“You were led to infer that Gen’l Darrington had refused her application for money?”

“There was no mention of an application for money, hence I inferred nothing.”

“During that conversation, the last which Gen’l Darrington held on earth, did he not tell you he was oppressed by an awful presentiment connected with his granddaughter?”

“His words were:  ’Somehow I am unable to get rid of the strange, disagreeable presentiment that girl let behind her as a farewell legacy.  She stood there at the glass door, and raised her hand:  ’Gen’l Darrington, when you lie down to die, may God have more mercy on your poor soul, than you have shown to your suffering child.’

“I advised him to sleep off the disagreeable train of thought, and as I bade him good night, his last words were: 

“‘I shall write to Prince to come home.’”

“What do you know concerning the contents of your client’s will?”

“The original will was drawn up by my father in 187-, but last May, Gen’l Darrington required me to re-write it, as he wished to increase the amount of a bequest to a certain charitable institution.  The provisions of the will were, that with the exception of various specified legacies, his entire estate, real and personal, should be given to his stepson Prince; and it was carefully worded, with the avowed intention of barring all claims that might be presented by Ellice Brentano or her heirs.”

“Do you recollect any allusion to jewelry?”