r a word of encouragement, or perhaps
wring her own hands in futile despair.

Of course these demonstrations were of little avail, nor did it seem as
if Florence Lloyd needed assistance or support.

She gave the impression not only of general capability in managing her
own affairs, but of a special strength in an emergency.

And an emergency it was; for though the two before-mentioned jurors, who
had been intimate friends of her uncle, were doubtless in sympathy with
Miss Lloyd, and though the coroner was kindly disposed toward her, yet
the other jurors took little pains to conceal their suspicious attitude,
and as for Mr. Parmalee, he was fairly eager with anticipation of the
revelations about to come.

"Your name?" said the corner briefly, as if conquering his own sympathy
by an unnecessarily formal tone.

"Florence Lloyd," was the answer.

"Your position in this house?"

"I am the niece of Mrs. Joseph Crawford, who died many years ago. Since
her death I have lived with Mr. Crawford, occupying in every respect the
position of his daughter, though not legally adopted as such."

"Mr. Crawford was always kind to you?"

"More than kind. He was generous and indulgent, and, though not of an
affectionate nature, he was always courteous and gentle."

"Will you tell us of the last time you saw him alive?"

Miss Lloyd hesitated. She showed no embarrassment, no trepidation; she
merely seemed to be thinking.

Her gaze slowly wandered over the faces of the servants, Mrs. Pierce,
Mr. Philip Crawford, the jurors, and, lastly, dwelt for a moment on the
now anxious, worried countenance of Gregory Hall.

Then she said slowly, but in an even, unemotional voice: "It was last
night at dinner. After dinner was over, my uncle went out, and before he
returned I had gone to my room."

"Was there anything unusual about his appearance or demeanor at
dinner-time?"

"No; I noticed nothing of the sort."

"Was he troubled or annoyed about any matter, that you know of?"

"He was annoyed about one matter that has been annoying him for some
time: that is, my engagement to Mr. Hall."

Apparently this was the answer the coroner had expected, for he nodded
his head in a satisfied way.

The jurors, too, exchanged intelligent glances, and I realized that the
acquaintances of the Crawfords were well informed as to Miss Lloyd's
romance.

"He did not approve of that engagement?" went on the coroner, though he
seemed to be stating a f