How do I know this?
Because of the time which elapsed, the few precious minutes which allowed Mr.
Roberts to get as far away as the court.

For she did not voice her agony immediately.

Even she, with her own unwounded heart keeping up its functions, stood benumbed before this horror.

Not till the full meaning of it all had penetrated her reluctant brain did she move or cry out.

How long this interval was; whether three minutes were consumed by it, or five, we have no means of telling.