Dr. Anselm speedily got to the real business of the morning. The room we were in was evidently the dining-room of the "Swan's Nest," and I attempted to picture it in its ordinary environment. It seemed grotesque to imagine people could dine here in any comfort after this inquiry was over. Then I heard "Mrs. Prescott" called.
The Coroner once again expressed his profound sympathy with her in her distress. She gave formal evidence identifying the body that she had viewed as the body of her son--Gerald Onslow Lancelot Prescott. He was twenty-two years of age--unmarried--and had just come down from Oxford. As far as she was aware deceased had no troubles or worries; he was quite sound financially and to her knowledge hadn't an enemy in the world.
_The Coroner._--"Had he any love affair?"
_Mrs. Prescott._--"No. None that he had ever confided to me."
_The Coroner._--"He had come to Considine Manor simply to take part in the Cricket Week?"
_The Coroner._--"Had you heard from him during his stay there?"
_Mrs. Prescott._--"Yes--a short letter. Full of the good times he was having."
_The Coroner._--"And you know of absolutely nothing that would throw any light upon this indescribably dreadful affair?"
_Mrs. Prescott._--"Nothing! Nothing at all!"
The Coroner thanked her and the next witness was summoned. If summoned can correctly describe the procedure.
From between two sturdy members of the Sussex County Police came she whom we had known as Marshall. _Still sensation!_
The reporters bent to their tasks with redoubled energy--sweetened by the thoughts of circulations to come. A low hum buzzed round the room at the appearance of this new witness. Anthony clutched at my arm.
"Look," he muttered. Inspector Baddeley had come round to the side of Dr. Anselm and was whispering something to him. I saw the Coroner nod his head three or four times in seeming acquiescence. Baddeley appeared to be explaining something, for I saw the doctor give a final approving movement of the head, and then turn and address the witness.
"I think I know," answered Anthony. "Listen!"
"Marshall," as it seems the more natural for me to call her, gave her evidence in a low, toneless, almost inaudible voice. Several times the Coroner had to request her to speak up. Up to Saturday last she had been a maid in the employ of Sir Charles and Lady Considine, and among her duties was the task of sweeping and cleaning a number of the Manor rooms first thing in the morning--as she had done on the Saturday morning in question. She had eventually reached the billiard room! Here the witness was observed to falter and excitement ran high in the "Swan's Nest." Dr. Anselm took a hand.