The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1910-05-04

occasion as well as Miss Van Nor.
man.
In view of this state OF affairs
went on the coroner when quiet had
been restored after Ciccly's depar-
ture. "it becomes necessary to make
an investigation Of the case. We
have absolutely no evidence. and
no real reason To suspect foul play.
yet since there Is the mere possi-
bility that the death was not su.
iCidc. it becomes my duty to look
further into the matter ! have been
told that Miss Van Norman had
expressed a sort Of general fear that
she might some day Dee impclled to
turn this dagger upon herself That
is peculiar mental obscssiou that
objects many people at sight OF
sharp-poiutod or cutting instrument,
and is by no melue a proof that
she did do this thing. But quite aside
from the temptation Of the glittcring
steel. we have Miss Van Norman's
written confession that she al least
contemplated taking her own life.
and ascribing q reason therefor In
further consideration then. OF the
written paper, OF which you ali
know the contents can any OF YOU
tell me of any fact or quote any
words spoken by Miss Van Norman
that would corroborate or amplltv
the statement of this dcspairing mos
sage"
As MIR. henson spoke. he held i'm
his hand the written paper that
had been found on the library table?
1t was indeed unnecessary TO read
It aloud. for every one present know
its contents by heart.
But nobody responded to the coro-
ner's question. Mr.. Carleton looked
mutely helpless. Tom Willard looked
honestly perplexed and yet many
of those present believed that both
of these men knew the sad secret
definitely the written message.
Again Mr.. Benson earnestly re-
quested that any one knowing the
least fact. however trivial regarding
the matter. would mention It.
Then Mrs. Markham spoke
Il can tell you nothing but my
ha
nothing for certain. but have reason
to believe that Madeleine Van Nor
man had n deep sorrow-such a one
as would impel her to write that
statement. and to act in accordance
with it"
THAT Is what ! wished TO know"
essary for you to detail the nature
/ of her sorrow, or even to hint at II
! further, but the assurance that the
message is in accordance with Miss
Van Norman's mental attitude goes
! far toward convincing me that her
| death Is the outcome of that written
/ declaration"
Il know. too" volunteered Kitty
! French, that Madeleine meant every
word she wrote there. She was mis-.
erable, and for the very reason that
she herself stated
Mr.. Benson pnched his glasses
more firmly on his nose. and turn
ed his gaze slowly toward Miss
| French.
Kitty had spoken impulsively, AMI
perhaps TOO directly. but, though ON
barrassed at the sensation she had
caused, she showed no desire to
retract her statements.
Il am told" said the coroner, his
voice ringing out clearly in he
strange silence that had fallen on
the room, that the initial on this
paper designates Mr.. Schuyler Cari'
ton. ! must therefore ask Mr.. Carle
ton If he can explain the reference
To himself"
Il cannot" said Schuyler Carleton
and only the intense silence allowed
his low whisper to be heard. Miss
Van Norman was my affianced Wit,
We We're to have been married TO
day. Those two facts, | think. prove
the existence OF our mutual ioye. Tine
paper is to me inexplicable.'