found the large library, where the inquest was to be held,
already well filled with people. I took an inconspicuous seat,
and turned my attention first to the group that comprised,
without a doubt, the members of Mr. Crawford's household.

Miss Lloyd--for I knew at a glance the black-robed young woman
must be she--was of a striking personality. Tall, large,
handsome, she could have posed as a model for Judith, Zenobia, or
any of the great and powerful feminine characters in history. I
was impressed not so much by her beauty as by her effect of power
and ability. I had absolutely no reason, save Parmalee's
babblings, to suspect this woman of crime, but I could not rid
myself of a conviction that she had every appearance of being
capable of it.

Yet her face was full of contradictions. The dark eyes were
haughty, even imperious; but the red, curved mouth had a tender
expression, and the chin, though firm and decided-looking, yet
gave an impression of gentleness.

On the whole, she fascinated me by the very mystery of her charm,
and I found my eyes involuntarily returning again and again to
that beautiful face.

She was dressed in a black, trailing gown of material which I
think is called China crepe. It fell around her in soft waving
folds and lay in little billows on the floor. Her dark hair was
dressed high on her head, and seemed to form a sort of crown
which well suited her regal type. She held her head high, and
the uplift of her chin seemed to be a natural characteristic.