human
Now, Mrs. Haag, attend to me. How long have you been a widow?
gpt
Fifteen years.
human
What was your husband?
gpt
A commercial traveller. He was not successful, and I went into service soon after I married.
human
Had you any children?
gpt
One son. He died.
human
When?
gpt
Years ago.
human
How many years ago?
gpt
Twenty years ago.
human
Is Haag your married name?
gpt
Yes.
human
Did you bear the name of Bradley?
gpt
I never bore such a name. I am a Belgian; so was my husband.
human
This is a certificate of marriage celebrated at Plymouth between Maria Haag, spinster, and Robert Bradley, bachelor, dated June, 1829, and witnessed in proper legal form.
gpt
I know nothing of it. My name is Haag by marriage. I am very faint; let me go away.
human
How came it that you were met in the middle of Vere street, when, by your own showing, you must then have turned out of the street before Mr. Kavanagh could have overtaken you?
gpt
Mr. Kavanagh did not meet me. I have so said before. I went straight home after passing him and Mr. Atherton at the chemist's shop. He is mistaken.
human
What took you to Peterborough on the 30th of last month?
gpt
I went to visit a friend at Spalding.
human
How was it, then, that you returned to London by the twelve o'clock train the following day--I mean arrived in London at that hour?
gpt
What right have you to ask me such a question?
human
You are bound to answer, Mrs. Haag.
gpt
I did not find my friend at home.
human
Do you mean to say you took that journey with the chance of finding your friend away?
gpt
I did.
human
My lord, I am informed by Inspector Keene, of the detective service, that Mrs. Haag never visited Spalding at all; that she took a ticket for Stixwould, at which station she got out, and from which station she returned the following day.
gpt
I don't see what you are trying to prove, brother Donaldson.
human
I am trying to prove, my lord, that Mrs. Haag is not a witness upon whose veracity we can rely.
gpt
You must be well aware, Mrs. Haag, that the mystery of this second will, and discovery of your late master's son, bear direct influence upon the charge of which the prisoner is accused. I think it highly necessary that you should be able to give a clear account of that journey of yours on the 30th of last month. For your own sake, do you understand?
human
Of what do you suspect me? I have related the truth.
gpt
Excuse me, my lord, I shall call two witnesses presently who will throw some light upon this person's movements. I have no further questions to put to her now.
human
On your oath, then, you declare you heard a footstep on the front-stairs during the night of the 23d but you don't know at what hour?
gpt
As certain sure, my lord, as that you are a sittin' on your cheer.