“As it has no bearing on the matter in hand, I prefer not to answer that
rather personal question.”
Mr. Monroe looked surprised in his turn, and said: “I think I must
insist upon an answer, Mr. Hall, for it is quite necessary that we learn
the whereabouts of every member of this household last evening.”
“I cannot agree with you, sir,” said Gregory Hall, coolly; “my
engagements for last evening were entirely personal matters, in no way
connected with Mr. Crawford's business. As I was not in West Sedgwick
at the time my late employer met his death, I cannot see that my private
affairs need be called into question.”
“Quite so, quite so,” put in Mr. Orville; but Lemuel Porter interrupted
him.
“Not at all so. I agree with Mr. Monroe, that Mr. Hall should frankly
tell us where he spent last evening.”
“And I refuse to do so,” said Mr. Hall, speaking not angrily, but with
great decision.
“Your refusal may tend to direct suspicion toward yourself, Mr. Hall,”
said the coroner.
Gregory Hall smiled slightly. “As I was out of town, your suggestion
sounds a little absurd. However, I take that risk, and absolutely refuse
to answer any questions save those which relate to the matter in hand.”
Coroner Monroe looked rather helplessly at his jurors, but as none of
them said anything further, he turned again to Gregory Hall.
“The telephone message you received this morning, then, was the first
knowledge you had of Mr. Crawford's death?”
“It was.”
“And you came out here at once?”
“Yes; on the first train I could catch.”
“I am sorry you resent personal questions, Mr. Hall, for I must ask you
some. Are you engaged to Mr. Crawford's niece, Miss Lloyd?”
“I am.”
This answer was given in a low, quiet tone, apparently without emotion
of any kind, but Miss Lloyd showed, a different attitude. At the
words of Gregory Hall, she blushed, dropped her eyes, fingered her
handkerchief nervously, and evinced just such embarrassment as might be
expected from any young woman, in the event of a public mention of her
betrothal. And yet I had not looked for such an exhibition from Florence
Lloyd. Her very evident strength of character would seem to preclude the
actions of an inexperienced debutante.
“Did Mr. Crawford approve of your engagement to his niece?” pursued Mr.
Monroe.
“With all due respect, Mr. Coroner,” said Gregory Hall, in his subdued
but firm way, “I cannot think these questions are relevant or pertinent.
Unless you can assure me that they are, I prefer not to reply.”
“They are both relevant and pertinent to the matter in hand, Mr. Hall;
but I am now of the opinion that they would better be asked of another
witness. You are excused. I now call Miss Florence Lloyd.”