A. “I should say instantaneously, or at the most a matter of five or ten seconds.” Coroner Holbein beamed. “That will be all,” he said. “Call Miss Jane Mayfield.” Dressed in black, the gaunt housekeeper was ushered to the witness chair. She appeared bewildered as the eyes of the crowded room centered on her. Coroner Holbein, clearing his throat, assumed the manner of a friend of the weak and a staff for the unfortunate. After a series of perfunctory questions he arrived at the day of the mystery. Q. “And now, Jane, tell us simply and in your own way what happened that afternoon and night.” A. “Mr. Ballau was killed.” Q. “We know that, Jane. But before he was killed what happened? What orders did he give you that afternoon?” A. “He told me there was going to be a party. He told me to order supplies.” Q. “How did he seem to you when he gave you these orders?” A. “I don’t know. I don’t remember noticing anything.” Q. “What did you do after receiving his orders?” A. “I called the caterer around the corner and gave him Mr. Ballau’s orders and then I worked around the house fixing up.” Q. “Did you see Mr. De Medici that day?” A. “Yes. Mr. De Medici and Mr. Ballau were together for a while after dinner. Mr. Ballau told him to go away as he interfered with getting the party ready.” Q. “In what way did Mr. De Medici interfere, if you know, Jane?” A. “I heard Mr. Ballau say he was too excited and that he was no use whatsoever, and to go out and walk.” A smile passed through the room at the housekeeper’s words. The romance between De Medici and Ballau’s daughter had received its share of spotlighting during the week that followed the tragedy. Curious ones turned their heads for a glimpse of the couple. At the side of the room, hidden behind a row of chairs, they were rewarded. Florence Ballau, her vivid face behind a veil, and Julien De Medici’s green-tinted cheeks and decorative features occupied adjoining seats. They were sitting, eyes straight—unwavering and attentive. Q. “After Mr. De Medici went away, what happened then?” A. “I was busy. I don’t remember anything.” Q. “Did you see Mr. Ballau after Mr. De Medici went away?” A. “He came out from shaving.” Q. “Did he say anything at that time?” A. “No.” Q. “Did you see anybody else in the apartment after you had encountered Mr. Ballau as stated?” The housekeeper paused before answering. Her eyes swung bewilderedly toward the listeners. A. “No.” Q. “There now, Jane. Think carefully and see if you recall having seen another man or woman in the apartment following Mr. De Medici’s leaving.” Again the housekeeper stared distractedly at the crowd of listeners. A. “No.” Q. “On the night of Mr. Ballau’s death, when you were questioned by Lieutenant Norton you said that you remembered catching a glimpse of a tall man with a black beard. Have you forgotten that?” The housekeeper regarded the coroner with frightened eyes. For several moments she remained silent.