Graham's Magazine, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, April 1841Various
General
Graham's Magazine, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, April 1841
Various
Literature -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals
After a thorough investigation of every portion of the house,
without farther discovery, the party made its way into a small
paved yard in the rear of the building, where lay the corpse of
the old lady, with her throat so entirely cut that, upon an
attempt to raise her, the head fell off, and rolled to some
distance. The body, as well as the head, was fearfully
mutilated—the former so much so as scarcely to retain any
semblance of humanity.
To this horrible mystery there is not as yet, we believe, the
slightest clew.”
The next day’s paper had these additional particulars.
“_The Tragedy in the Rue Morgue._ Many individuals have been
examined in relation to this most extraordinary and frightful
affair.” [The word ‘_affaire_’ has not yet, in France, that
levity of import which it conveys with us,] “but nothing
whatever has transpired to throw light upon it. We give below
all the material testimony elicited.”
_Pauline Dubourg_, laundress, deposes that she has known both
the deceased for three years, having washed for them during that
period. The old lady and her daughter seemed on good terms—very
affectionate toward each other. They were excellent pay. Could
not speak in regard to their mode or means of living. Believed
that Madame L. told fortunes for a living. Was reputed to have
money put by. Never met any persons in the house when she called
for the clothes or took them home. Was sure that they had no
servant in employ. There appeared to be no furniture in any part
of the building except in the fourth story.
_Pierre Moreau_, tobacconist, deposes that he has been in the
habit of selling small quantities of tobacco and snuff to Madame
L’Espanaye for nearly four years. Was born in the neighborhood,
and has always resided there. The deceased and her daughter had
occupied the house in which the corpses were found for more than
six years. It was formerly occupied by a jeweller, who under-let
the upper rooms to various persons. The house was the property
of Madame L. She became dissatisfied with the abuse of the
premises by her tenant, and moved into them herself, refusing to
let any portion. The old lady was childish. Witness had seen the
daughter some five or six times during the six years. The two
lived an exceedingly retired life—were reputed to have money.
Had heard it said among the neighbors that Madame L. told
fortunes—did not believe it. Had never seen any person enter
the door except the old lady and her daughter, a porter once or
twice, and a physician some eight or ten times.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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