Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1920-10-06

- .. b.. -" -E-=EF E.hrmL-EFrx 49,. s
ton than was offered by the mere
spoken words.
"And then,'' pursued the coroner,
after that glimpse through the win
dow, you saw your husband
again alive?" X.
Anne answered this in the mega
tive. but SO low and uncertain was
her voice that she was obliged to re-
peat it twice before, the cQroner wal
satisfied with her reply. u felt a
vague, alarm. II Anne were speaking
strangely about it And if, by, any
chance. she was not veracious, she
must know that her manner was un-
convincing. 1 had no interest in any
one else who might be implicated in
the tragedy, but my heart again
cried out. Anybody but Anne!"
"Aht what time did you retire,
Mrs. Van Wyck?' went on the ques-
toner.
Il went to my room about half
past ten o'clock"
And you retired then? 2"
II did not. I read for a time, and
about midnight. Or perhaps it was
later-I dare say It vas one O'clock
"Are you not sure?"
mo, I didn't notice the time. Per-
haps my maid a tell you She vas
with me-" M
So casual was Anne's manner now
that the ron seemed t o realize
his questions were not OF particular
importance. and he tried a new tack.
WAS your husband kind to you,
Mrs. Van Wyck?"
Anne stared at him coldly: for a
few seconds, and then spoke with
great deliberations: IT decline to an
swer such a question, and I'm sure
you are overstepping your rights in
asking it."
Her manner even more than her
words abashed the coroner, but to
cover his chagrin he became insist
ent. ut is necessary that I should
know If there a harmony between
you" he declared. 1T regret that the
circumstances make it necessary for
me to press the question.
Anne's eyes flashed. Her agitation
was gone now, and her poise and
'calmness seemed to discomfort her
inquistor even more than her en-
barrassment had.
There was perfect harmony be-
tween us" she said, holding her head
proudly and looking straight at the
coroner, with the exception Of this
matter of the library. I tried to dis
suade my husband from his intent,
for his own sake quite as much as for
rry own, for I felt sure he would re-
greet such quixotic generosity. But
he was determined to proceed in his
plan, in spite OF my protests"
And at the last moment he de-
tcided to add the valuable jewels to
his gift?" ,.sr4
yes: his words to me last eve
ming were the first intimatton 4 had
had that he meant to give away the
Van Wyck pearls"
Had you any aso to doubt your
husbands sanity"
None. except in this matter OF the
library gift Nor do I call that in
sanity; but rather q monomania
which possessed him temporarily, e,
do you think your late husband
hid the pearls, 6r do you think they
have been stolen
q. an formano opinion. % my, hus-
bands death IL 70 wrapped in mys-
terry. He may have secreted the
pearls or they may have been stolen
by an expert burglar. Personally. 81
have 3 nc theories g the snb5scs; i
Anne passed her hand YEARLY
across her brow with . gesture OF ex-
hauition. 1 think this reused tho
icoroners sympathy, and he excused
her from further questioning.
Mrs. Carstafrs Was next called ~
ia witness. There wa = stir among
the audience az she rose and walked.
slowly to the witness chair.
It was quite evident that considers.
able curioSity was felt regarding this
woman.
! expected she would appear per-
turbsd, but instead. sha had Z calm
air Of superiority and held her head,
high - II entirely rnistr61s Of the
situation.
n spite Of myself, / was Obliged 70
admit thGf her face Wa fascanAting
n IT. ~ezprsssion, quite apart from