"Why then did he send for the doctors to commit her to an institution?"
At this point of the interrogation Cyril scribbled a few words, which he gave to one of the footmen to carry to the coroner. When the latter had read them, he asked:
"Did you consider her ladyship a dangerous lunatic?"
"Why, then, did you prophesy that she would kill your master?"
The woman trembled slightly and her hand again sought the cross.
"I--I believed Lord Wilmersley's time had come, but I knew not how he would die. I did not know that she would be the instrument--only I feared it."
"Why did you think his lordship's days were numbered?"
"Sir, if I were to tell you my reasons, you would say that they were not reasons. You would call them superstitions and me a foolish old woman. I believe what I believe, and you, what you have been taught. God shall judge. Suffice it, sir, that my reasons for believing that his lordship would die soon are not such as would appeal to your common-sense."
"H'm, well--I confess that signs and omens are not much in my line, but I must really insist upon your giving some explanation as to why you feared that your mistress would murder Lord Wilmersley."
The woman's lips twitched convulsively and her eyes glowed with sombre fire.
"Because--if you will know it--he loved her more than was natural--he loved her more than his God; and the Lord God is a jealous God."
"And this is really your only reason for your extraordinary supposition?"
"Well, well--very curious indeed!" said the coroner, regarding the woman intently.
"How did you pass the evening of the murder?" he asked.
"In my room. I had a headache and went early to bed."
"I suppose somebody saw you after you left Lady Wilmersley's room who can support your statement?"
"I do not know. I do not remember seeing any one," answered Valdriguez, throwing her head back and looking a little defiantly at Mr. Tinker.
"Ah, really? That is a pity," said the coroner. "However, there is no reason to doubt your word--as yet," he added.
Mrs. Eversley was next called. The coroner questioned her exhaustively as to the missing Priscilla Prentice. He seemed especially anxious to know whether the girl had owned a bicycle. She had not.--Did she know how to ride one? Yes, Mrs. Eversley had seen her try one belonging to the under-housemaid.--Did many of the servants own bicycles? Yes.--Had one of them been taken? She did not know.