Incidentally, during the trial, a remarkable sidelight was thrown on Ivy Matthew’s powers of invention, and her unscrupulousness in exercising them. The Crown Prosecutor cross-examined Mrs. Ross at some length as to a visit she is supposed to have paid to Ivy Matthews on February 6, in order to “beseech” her not to give evidence against her son. The passage is worth transcribing in full. “Have you ever discussed anything with Ivy Matthews?” asked Mr. Macindoe, the Crown Prosecutor. “No,” was the answer, “I have only had one conversation with Ivy Matthews in my life,” and question and answer proceeded as follow:— When was that?—That was the time of the shooting affair. That is some time back. I am going to remind you of the 6th of February last?—I had no conversation with Ivy Matthews on February 6. Do you know what day of the week it was?—No, I could not tell you. Do you know where you were on February 6?—On February 6 I would be home. I have not been out of my home very much since this trouble has been on. You have been into town since this trouble?—I have only been into town to see my son Colin. Have you not seen Ivy Matthews since the inquest?—At the inquest, but not since the inquest. Do you know where Rathdown Street is?—I know Rathdown Street. Do you know where Mrs. Julia Gibson (Madame Ghurka) lives?—I do not. No idea?—I have not the slightest idea where she lives. Do you know where Ivy Matthews lives?—I do not. Or was living in February?—I do not. Did you not go to the house where Ivy Matthews was living in February of this year?—I did not. You swear that?—I will swear it. You know, of course, that Ivy Matthews had given evidence at the Morgue?—I did; at the Coroner’s inquiry, you mean? Yes; and that she had given evidence against your son?—Yes; I know that. Have you ever seen her and talked about that evidence?—I have never set eyes on Ivy Matthews since the day I saw her at the Coroner’s Court. Do you say you did not go to the house in Rathdown Street, and were shown into the parlour by a maid on February 6, and that you asked for Ivy Matthews, and that Ivy Matthews came down to that parlour?—I did not; I can swear it. And that you besought her not to give evidence?—No. I never did. If you had done it would you say so?—I would. I had no reason to do so. Ivy Matthews is a woman I would not demean myself to talk to, let alone to plead to. Why?—I talked to her once and once only, and that was quite sufficient for me.