Page:Frank Owen - Woman Without Love (1949 reprint).djvu/154

 "Did you ever hear the defendant referred to as Mary Blaine?"

"Never."

"Do you think she is Mary Blaine?"

"Of course not. She is Madame Leota. She is known everywhere throughout the Midwest."

"That is all."

"No questions," drawled Phil Gould.

Clive Reardon called Madame Leota to the stand.

She came simpering, smiling, brazen. She was dressed more loudly than usual and her rouge was heavier if that yvere possible. She was placed under oath.

Then Clive Reardon asked: "What is your name?"

"Mary Blaine," was the reply.

"Were you ever known as Madame Leota?"

"I was."

"Why did you change your name?"

"For professional reasons. I believed Louella Leota was a name that would be more attractive to men."

"Where were you born?"

Madame hesitated for a moment. Then she hazarded: "Springfield, Illinois."

"How long did you live in Springfield?"

"About twelve years."

"You still remember that town?"

"Perfectly."

"I understand that Mary Blaine was born in Galvey, Illinois. Templeton Blaine told me so on several occasions. Would you like to change your testimony as to where you were born?"

Madame seemed confused. "Yes I would," she said.

"Then may I ask again where this important birth took place?"

"At Galvey, Illinois."

"You wouldn't like to change your mind again?"

"No, I think not."

"Most babies are pretty definite about their place of birth. Now you are sure you were born in Galvey?"

"Positive."

"May I ask about how far Galvey is from Chicago?"