After mature deliberation, it was resolved to dispute the payment; but as it was not thought advisable to give the real reasons, a technical plea was adopted. All the circumstances were, however, stated in the brief; and as Sir James Scarlett read them, when he saw how one life after another had fallen directly it was assured, that acute and able man at once exclaimed, “Good God! she must have murdered them all.” But whether he were correct or not in this, it was determined to adopt another reason, and the trial came on. Although Sir James had instructions not to exceed his brief, he could not resist the temptation, and he hinted pretty broadly that foul play must have been used under such extraordinary circumstances. The advocate on the other side enlisted the sympathies of the jury in his “beautiful, delicate, and susceptible client;” he wondered at the baseness of the thought which charged such a crime on such a creature, and invoked the vengeance of heaven on those who could entertain so unworthy an idea. One surgeon had been referred to in all the cases, and one surgeon had testified to the death of all. The effect upon the court was appalling, as document after document was handed him; and as with each certificate the question was put, “Did you examine this life?” and the answer came “I did;” and “Did you certify to this death?” and still the same reply was given: it seemed as if this series of sudden and insidious deaths would never end. Both advocates did their duty in this difficult case according to the most approved rules of art; but that of the lady was triumphant, and gained the verdict. Still the office was determined not to pay, for the directors felt certain they were right. The more inquiries they made, the more extraordinary the circumstances which were elicited, and they resolved to show cause for a new trial. To do this effectually, they found it advisable to abandon all technical objections, to state broadly and boldly the moral grounds on which they acted, and to insert all the causes which made them thus declare war to the “knife.” Never was a more serious list of charges brought against one person; and no sooner did the lady find that so grave an investigation was in progress, than she left this kingdom for that of France, in the capital of which she commenced a boarding-school, and obtained the attendance of some respectable girls, but to what account she turned them, and of the scenes which were enacted, the less that is now said the better. * * * * *