The Washington times., 1911-10-05

For some unaccountable reason
srembled - I saw her take the
stand.
| There was no knowing what sort Of
an impression this strange girl might
create, and there were certain bits Of
| evidence which / would feel sorry to
have brought out in reference to her.
Where were you between 10 and 1890
last EVENING"" asked Mr.. Billings.
Although the tone was courteous, the
question mad somewhat the sound of a
challenge.
ION the upper balcony" replied Irene.
her head held high and her red lips
curled in a naughty expression.
(which part of the balcony"' The
coroner's voice. was a little more gen.
tie.
..The south end of the east side"
That was where ] had left her when
I came downstairs at 10 o'clock. The
library opened on the southern end Of
the west balcony.
Were you there aloneF'
MIR. King was with me part of the
time. Also, there were others in differ
ent parts OF the balcony. After MI
King left me was alone"
We're not the others you mentioned
there?"
from where / sat"
How long did you remain there?"
II cannot tell by exact time. When
7 came into the house again ! was met
by Mr. King, who told me what had
happened, and asked me TO break the
news to Miss Maxwell"
did you see any strangers, or anyone
around the grounds or on the drive
No one"
the time you were on the balcony after
Mr.. King left you?''
"No-that Is, yes"
What do you mean by that answer?
Il walked a few steps back and
forth"
Not around the corner into the north
'N-no. Not so fa- as that"
AS Irene made this statement her face
grew ashen pale. and l thought / saw
her glance in the direction Of Gilbert
Crane.
But l was not sure of this. and was
most anxious to make all allowance for
the girl, who was certainly pitiably
nervous and disturbed.
You are quite sure, Miss Gardiner.
that you did not walk around on the
north or west sides of the balcony until
the time you came into the house,
Quite certain" said Irene, but her
voice was so low as scarcely to be
heard, and her eyes were cast down;
/ didn't know what to make OF her
strange manner, and just then
CHANGED to look at Gilbert Crane. To
my surprise, he was equally pale ana
agitated In appearance. No one else
seemed to notice this. so Kept my own
counsel concerning 1t.
Miss Gardiner was dismissed, and
other witnesses followed. None was
important in the sense or throwing any
further light on the incidents OF the
evening before.
The Writings and other guests who
had been in the music room simply re-
peated what was already known.
The servants had heard no shots. but
as they were at that time in the outer
kitchen busily engaged in preparation
for supper that was not surprising.
The coachman and gardener had
rooms in the barn buildings. and sale
they heard nothing unusual until nou-
fled of the catastrophe.
There were now no more witnesses to
be heard from, save the most important
one of all-Mildred Leslie.
DR.. Sheldon consented that she should
be interviewed. provided 1t was done IN
her room in the presence Of the smallest
possible number of people
The coroner was to ask the questions.
and a stenographer was to report Miss
Leslies statements.
The nurse, the doctor and Mrs. Whit
ing were to be the only others in the
room.
leII DelO" StdlIS AhPotichh'S o"SANSN N4iN
result.
AS we had all given our testimony,
we were not required to remain In the
drawing room with the jury and the
officials.
Rut as we were all more than anxious
to be on hand when the coroner re-
turned with Mildredis statement. we did
not drift far away.
Gilbert Crane and I strolled on the
front lawn, smoking and discussing the
events Of the morning. 1 was most
curious to know the reason of his ex-
traordinary hesitation at some points Of
his testimony, but not caring to inquire
directly, 1 resolved to find out in
roundabout way.
What did you think OF Miss Gar
diners testimony / asked.
II think the poor girl was so agitated
she did not know what she was say
ing" he replied somewhat shortly, and
as IL he did not wish to dwell on the
subject.
"It is not like Miss Gardiner" I
went on. Ito lose her poise In an emer-
gency. She IS usually so calm and SELF
IT do not consider Miss Gardeners a
calm temperament. said Crane; Il
think she is decidedly emotional
Emotional, yes; but she has won
derful control over her emotions. And
aside from that, she positively contra
dicted herself this morning. I wonder
II she did walk around to the west side
of the balcony and look in at the library
window"
This was the mere idle speculation on
my part. but it had strange effect on
What do you mean?" he cried,
angrily. Are you insinuating anything
against Miss Gardeners veracity, or do
YOU perhaps consider her implicated in
the AFFAIR.""
1T have no thought of Miss Gardiner
save such as are most honorable and
loyal" 1 said; but, by the way, Crane,
what sort of a, gown did she wear last
Fl don't know, I'm sure. I'm no au-
thority on ladies dress. l never notice
their furbelows."
Somehow. the emphasis with which he
said this made me think he was over
doing it, and that perhaps he was not
so ignorant as he wished me to sup
pose. But had no desire to antagon-
lie him, so dropped the discussion OF
Irene altogether.
He was amiable enough then, and we
returned to the house chatting affably.
Determined to settle a certain point,
I went In search of Miss Maxwell, and
found that good lady in the study with
her brother.
Miss Miranda" I said without SUBJ
terfuge. what sort of gown did Miss
Gardiner wear last EVENING"
Irene? Why, she had on a lovely
yellow silk gauze-a sort Of pineapple
material" !
was it trimmed with feathers?''
NO" and Miss Maxwell smiled a lit
tie. I'VE don't trim dresses with feath-