"I mean, do you understand that when you are brought as a witness before the law, you are held responsible for the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"
Martha cogitated. "No, sir. I can't say I do, that is, _did_. I never knew the law had so much to do with _truth_ before. But, if you say so, I'm willin' to take your word for it."
"My client, Madam Crewe, has called you here for two purposes. First, she wishes you to be present whilst I ask her granddaughter a few important questions. Second, you and the maid--a--Eunice Youngs, are to write your names as witnesses upon a certain paper I have drawn up for my client. Are you willing to act for Madam Crewe in these matters?"
Martha shot a quick, inquiring glance at Katherine. The girl nodded in response.
"Yes, sir!" Mrs. Slawson answered promptly.
"Then, see that you charge your mind seriously with what you have undertaken. Your memory must be exact. Now, Miss Crewe----"
Katherine inclined her head, smiling faintly. But Martha noticed she was very pale.
"Your grandmother would like to know, from your own lips, the extent of your acquaintance with Dr. Ballard, the physician who has been in attendance on Madam Crewe since her late illness."
Katherine hung fire a moment, while the blood slowly mounted to her cheeks, her temples.
"My grandmother forbade me to have anything whatever to do with Dr. Ballard," she parried the question.
"Did you obey her injunction?--Attend, Mrs. Slawson!"
"I didn't think she had any right to control me so."
"Not when she intimated there were reasons?"
"She told me things about Dr. Ballard--his people, rather, but I didn't, and I don't, consider them _reasons_. She has no proof, or, if she has, she certainly hasn't presented it. I don't consider it worthy of notice when a person says things about another which are not backed up by proof."
"As a matter of fact, then, you do know Dr. Ballard, in spite of your grandmother's prohibition?"
"My next question, Miss Crewe, you will answer notwithstanding its peculiarly personal and intimate character, because (I am authorized to tell you) upon your answer important issues hang. If Dr. Ballard asks you to marry him, is it your intention to accept him?"