Again the same contemptuous glance, as she proudly replies, “I swear it.” “And you mean to say that you never sent Rita Vernon with a letter to Mr. Trackem, or left a note for Victoire Hester on the day of Lord Westray’s murder? Again I ask you to be careful.” “I did not!” is her fierce reply. Sir Anthony puts his hands on his hips. There is a self-satisfied smile on his face as he glances round the court, but he questions no further. “I have no more to ask the witness,” he remarks jauntily. Rita Vernon is next called and questioned. She describes her first meeting with the Duke of Ravensdale, and what followed. She gives in simple, unaffected language the story of the attack on Speranza and the part she played in it. Again Sir Anthony is heard to mutter the word “hallucination.” He has no questions to put to the witness—yet stay—as she is about to leave the box he jumps up. “One moment please, Miss Vernon,” he remarks in a suave voice. “I presume, of course, that you are grateful to the Duke of Ravensdale for all his kindness?” There is a flash in her grey eyes, but she answers quietly, “Need you ask it, sir? I would die for his Grace.” The next witness is the duke himself. He corroborates the statements made by Hector D’Estrange, Speranza de Lara, and Rita Vernon. His evidence is listened to with marked attention, and the keenest interest by the Court. Sir Anthony does not cross-examine him. As he steps down, Hector D’Estrange’s voice is heard speaking. “I have one more witness to call,” he is saying. “This will be my last, my lord. I call for Dr. Merioneth.” A white-haired man enters the box and is sworn. “Dr. Merioneth, do you recall attending Mrs. de Lara many years ago?” inquires the accused. “I do,” replies the witness. “Will you state for what purpose, and how many years have elapsed since then?” is the next question. “I attended Mrs. de Lara in her confinement, and it is twenty-eight years ago,” answers the old doctor. “Where, Dr. Merioneth?” “At Ancona, sir, on the Adriatic.” “The child was born well and healthy, I believe?” “A beautiful child indeed,” replies the doctor. “I wish all children resembled it.” “Thank you, Dr. Merioneth.” “Stay, I have a word, please, to put to you,” exclaims the Attorney-General, jumping up. “You have not told us the sex of the child, doctor.” For a moment the old man hesitates. Then he looks sadly at the prisoner. “A girl it was,” he replies in a low voice. “Ha! a girl you say?” echoes the counsel for the prosecution in a loud voice, as he looks round the court with a knowing air. “Thank you, doctor. I am greatly obliged to you for that information.” This concludes the evidence for the defence.