and before he returned I had gone to my room."

"Was there anything unusual about his appearance or demeanor at
dinner-time?"

"No; I noticed nothing of the sort."

"Was he troubled or annoyed about any matter, that you know of?"

"He was annoyed about one matter that has been annoying him for
some time: that is, my engagement to Mr. Hall."

Apparently this was the answer the coroner had expected, for he
nodded his head in a satisfied way.

The jurors, too, exchanged intelligent glances, and I realized
that the acquaintances of the Crawfords were well informed as to
Miss Lloyd's romance.

"He did not approve of that engagement?" went on the coroner,
though he seemed to be stating a fact, rather than asking a
question.

"He did not," returned Miss Lloyd, and her color rose as she
observed the intense interest manifest among her hearers.

"And the subject was discussed at the dinner table?"

"It was."