Page:Frank Owen - Woman Without Love (1949 reprint).djvu/152



the intervening weeks before the trial, life went on much as ever in the Fifth Avenue house. The relationship between Dorothy and Mary was not even slightly strained, nor did Dorothy ever refer to the unpleasant matter.

Mary admired her tact. Secretly she grieved that she must so soon depart from such a lovely home. It would be so pleasant to grow old gracefully here. That is unless Timothy objected. He was the real master of the house. No dog could bark without his express permission.

Finally the morning of the trial arrived. The period of waitngwaiting [sic] had been trying for Mary but now it was over. For her everything was ended.

Judge Jarrot was the presiding justice and by agreement of counsel a jury had been dispensed with. Judge Jarrot was to render a verdict solely on the merits of the case. At the request of Clive Reardon the court was cleared of everyone except those intimately connected with the case. Not a newspaper man was in evidence. In any event Reardon was powerful enough to keep the case from the press even if it did leak out.

The opening court formalities were of no particular moment. Then the first witness for the estate was called. She was Terese, Madame's maid. She came to the stand reluctantly and was placed under oath.

Clive Reardon asked: "How long have you been employed by the defendant?"

"About twenty years," replied Terese.

"Where were most of these years spent?"

"In a Midwestern city, Need I state the exact name of it?"

"Not unless the court wishes it."

Judge Jarrot interjected: "The court is in no way concerned if the counsellor thinks the matter of no importance."