"'Was his daughter in the habit of visiting your house?'--'Yes.' "'Frequently?'--'Frequently.' "'And of remaining there for any length of time?'--'Yes; generally for three or four days.' "'Your intimacy with her, then, was of a thoroughly friendly nature?'--'Of a most affectionate nature. I love her as a child of my own.' "'Was that the sentiment of all your family?'--'Yes.' "'Were Miss Farebrother's visits to your house paid with the consent of the deceased?'--'Yes.' "'Did you learn this from him?'--'No. We very seldom saw him.' "'In point of fact, how many times have you or any of your family seen him, say within these eight or nine years?'--'Only twice.' "'Where? At your house in London?'--'No; at his house in Parksides.' "'At his invitation?'--'No. The first time we were asked by his daughter. It was her birthday, but we understood that our visit would be agreeable to him.' "'You understood. From whom?'--'From my niece.' "'On that occasion how long were you at Parksides?'--'For five or six hours.' "'Did you and your family partake of any meal there?'--'We had tea.' "'Was the deceased present at the table?'--'No; he sent word that he was not well enough to join us.' "'Was your second visit paid upon his invitation?'--'No; we went of our own accord.' "'Who went?'--'I, my niece, and Mr. Cornwall.' "'Is Mr. Cornwall the gentleman who represents Miss Farebrother at this inquest?'--'Yes.' "'Why did he accompany you?'--'Must I answer?' "'It is at your own discretion. I cannot compel you.' "Mr. Cornwall: 'Answer the question, Mrs. Lethbridge.' "Witness: 'Mr. Cornwall had proposed to my niece, and he accompanied us for the purpose of asking Mr. Farebrother's consent to the engagement.' "'Was that consent given?'--'No.' "'Did the deceased turn you and Mr. Cornwall from his house?'--'Yes.' "'In the question I am about to ask you I will not confine myself to the last eight or nine years. I will go as far back as the birth of the deceased's daughter, who is now of a marriageable age. During this long period did the deceased ever visit your house?'--'No.' "'Not once?'--'Not once.' "'Did he correspond with you, or you with him?'--'No.' "'Not a letter, then, passed between you?'--'Not a letter.' "'Nor a direct communication of any kind? You hesitate!'--'I was considering. There was one letter.' "'Written and sent by you or the deceased?'--'By Mr. Farebrother. It was a great many years ago. My niece then was scarcely two years of age, and her poor mother was dying. She wished to see me before she died, and it was at her direction that her husband wrote to me.' "'It appears that even previous to that time you were not upon friendly terms with him?'--'It was so, unhappily.' "'Did you comply with the request contained in that letter?'--'Yes; and I saw my sister. I was with her when she died, and I promised to look after her child and to love her as my own.'