“It was merely a different manner of saying suicide—everyone assumed suicide.”
“Largely on your evidence. No one save you heard my son confess he had taken poison.”
“I told the physicians at once. I was believed. Everyone was satisfied.”
“I was not—I am not—neither is Dr. Balance nor Dr. Mallard.”
“The coroner did not think it worth while to call you.”
“He thought of nothing but putting a glaze over things—to save Susan’s feelings.”
Mrs. Sacret moistened her lips.
“You are trying to torment me with all this.”
“Certainly I wish to make you feel uneasy—for as long as possible.”
“You cannot do it,” retorted the younger woman rising. “I am neither timid nor foolish.”
“I realize that you are hard, cruel, and of a brazen assurance. But even this will be shaken—”
“What can you do?”
“I
