Catheron fast asleep. I would not disturb her, and immediately left
the room. On the threshold, I encountered Nurse Pool. I had always
disliked the woman, and spoke sharply to her, ordering her away. Half
an hour after, as I sat in my room alone, Hooper, the butler, came up,
and told me my lady was murdered. I was naturally shocked and
horrified. I went down with him, and saw her. I hardly knew what to do;
I felt stunned and bewildered by the suddenness of so terrible a
catastrophe. I told the butler to send for Sir Victor, for the family
physician, and the police. I knew not what else to do. I could not
remain in the room, because the sight of blood always turns me faint
and sick. I retired to my own apartment and remained there until the
arrival of Lady Helena Powyss."

* * * * *

There was one fact, the _Chesholm Courier_ did not chronicle,
concerning Miss Catheron's evidence--the formal, constrained manner in
which it was given, like one who repeats a well-learned lesson by rote.

* * * * *

As she concluded, the coroner ventured to put a few respectful
questions.

"On the night succeeding the murder, Miss Catheron, you met after dusk
a man in the grounds. Do you object to telling us who that man was?"

"I do," Miss Catheron replied, haughtily. "I most decidedly object. I
have told all I have to tell concerning this murder. About my private
affairs I will answer no impertinent questions, either now or at any