human
Now then, said Vand, addressing Bella in his usual courteous way,
gpt
No, said Bella determinedly.
human
I believe that Granny spoke truly, and that you and my aunt have something to do with the murder.
gpt
It's a lie! shouted Mrs. Vand furiously, and would have struck her niece, as she had struck Granny, but that Vand kept her back.
human
Why should I murder my own dear brother?
gpt
To get the heritage you now enjoy, said Bella firmly.
human
I don't say you actually murdered him, but----
gpt
I should think you didn't, indeed, raved Mrs. Vand, stamping in impotent wrath.
human
You heard what I said at the inquest. What I said then is true. I left this house at seven o'clock with Tunks, as he can prove. I was all the evening with Henry, as he can swear to, and he left me on the other side of the boundary channel. I came in quietly at ten and went to bed. I never knew that Jabez was dead until the next morning, and then I woke you. And as I was out of the house from seven until ten, how could I have murdered my brother--your poor dead father--when the doctor declared that he was struck down shortly after eight? How dare----
gpt
You forget, interrupted Bella quickly,
human
Grant me patience, heaven! cried Mrs. Vand, casting up her eyes.
gpt
Why, the coroner himself said that the poor dear must have been murdered shortly after eight o'clock, since I came in at ten and saw no light in the study.
human
Ah, said Bella significantly,
gpt
Then you accuse me of murder?
human
No; I accuse you of nothing.
gpt
You say that I am guilty?
human
I do not say so, but Granny Tunks did.
gpt
If so, would she not have accused me to my face when I turned her out of the house? said Vand earnestly.
human
I assure you, Miss Huxham, that I had no motive to kill your father. I was quite content to wait, even though Rosamund and I were secretly married. Besides, on that night I left Rosamund on the further side of the boundary channel, as she can prove. Also my mother can show that I returned to my home at fifteen minutes past ten, and that I was in bed by half-past. There is not a shred of evidence to support this unfounded charge you have made.
gpt
I did not make it Granny said----
human
I know what she said, interrupted Vand imperiously.
gpt
Hold your tongue, Rosamund, and let me speak. Granny said what she did say in a trance. At one time I really believed in such things; now, and especially since our ghost has proved to be you, I have ceased to believe. You heard merely the raving of an old beldame. I dare say she wished to blackmail myself and Rosamund by bringing this unfounded charge, and chose this so-called trance to bring the charge. If she really has any grounds to go upon--and I swear that she has not--she will doubtless go to the police to-morrow.
human
And I hope she will go! cried Mrs. Vand angrily,