I need not enter into the particulars, but this in fact was the case.

He did not say much in answer to my accusation, but merely replied:--

"I make allowances for you; but, Dr. Therne, it is time that somebody
taught you that people's reputations cannot be slandered with impunity.
Instead of attacking me I should recommend you to think of defending
yourself."

Very soon I learned the meaning of this hint. I think it was within a
week of my wife's funeral that I heard that Sir Thomas Colford, together
with all his relations and those of the deceased lady, were absolutely
furious with me. Awaking from my stupor of grief, I wrote a letter to
Sir Thomas expressing my deep regret at the misfortune that I had been
the innocent means of bringing upon him. To this letter I received a
reply by hand, scrawled upon half a sheet of notepaper. It ran:--


"Sir Thomas Colford is surprised that Dr. Therne should think it worth
while to add falsehood to murder."


Then, for the first time, I understood in what light my terrible
misfortune was regarded by the public. A few days later I received
further enlightenment, this time from the lips of an inspector of
police, who called upon me with a warrant of arrest on the charge of
having done manslaughter on the body of Dame Blanche Colford.

That night I spent in Dunchester Jail, and next morning I was brought
before the bench of magistrates, who held a special session to try my