"It is true; but oh, in a shock like this, how much is forgotten!" said
Mr. Berners. Then turning to old Judge Basham, who had sank into an
easy-chair to rest, but seemed to consider himself still on the bench,
since he assumed so much authority, Lyon inquired, "Do you see any
objection to the body being removed to a bedroom before the coroner's
arrival?"
"Certainly not. This is not the scene of the murder. You had best take
it back to the bed on which she received her death," answered the old
Judge.
"Friends," said Mr. Berners, turning to the gentlemen, who had all
solemnly and silently seated themselves as at a funeral, "will one of
you assist me in this?"
Captain Pendleton, who had just reëntered the room, came promptly up.
"By the way, did you send for the coroner, sir?" demanded the old Judge,
intercepting him.
"Yes, sir, I did," curtly answered the Captain.
"Then I shall sit here until his arrival," observed the Judge settling
himself for a nap in his easy-chair.
"That old fellow is in his dotage!" growled Captain Pendleton to
himself, as he tenderly lifted the head and shoulders of all that
remained of poor Rosa Blondelle. But at the touch of her cold form, the
sight of her still face, tears of pity sprang into the young soldier's
eyes. Rosa had been a fine woman, and her body was now no light weight.
It took the united strength of Captain Pendleton and Mr. Berners to bear
it properly from the parlor to the chamber, where they laid it on the
bed, and left it to the care of Sybil and Miss Tabby, who had followed
them.
Mr. Berners then pulled the Captain into an empty room and whispered
hoarsely: "Did I understand you to tell the Judge that you had sent a messenger
for the coroner?"
"Yes; but mind, I sent an old man on an old mule. It will be many hours
before he reaches Blackville; many more before the coroner gets here.
Good Heaven! Berners, I had to do that! Don't you see the awful danger
of your innocent wife?" exclaimed Captain Pendleton, in an agitated
voice.
"Don't I see it? I am not mad, or blind. But you, in the face of this
overwhelming evidence--you believe her to be innocent?" demanded Lyon
Berners, in a tone of agonized entreaty.
"I know her to be innocent! I have known her from her infancy. She
might have flown at a rival, and torn her to pieces, in a frenzy of
passion; but she could never have struck a secret blow," answered
Captain Pendleton, emphatically.
"Thanks! Oh, thanks for your faith in her!" exclaimed Lyon Berners,
earnestly.
"But now! Do you not see what is to be done? She must be got out of
the house before the coroner or any officer of justice arrives," said
Captain Pendleton, earnestly.