I gathered that Arthur had left her well provided for financially, and they were a most devoted couple.

Edith was the only relative I possessed.

It is very dreadful, Mr.Theydon, that she should be taken from me in such a way." Her hearer was almost thankful that she yielded to the inevitable rush of emotion.

It gave him time to collect his wits, which had lost their poise when that wicked-looking little skull was, so to speak, thrust forcibly into his recollection.
"In a word," he said, at last, "you are Mrs.Lester's next-of-kin and probably her heiress ?" "Yes, I suppose so, though I was not thinking of that," came the tearful answer.
"Yet the relationship entails certain responsibilities," said Theydon firmly.

"You should be legally represented at the inquest.