There was a pause.

It seemed that the inquest was over.

A few people began to move toward the door--only to halt.

The coroner's voice had sounded again: "Mrs.Laura Rodaine!" Prodded to her feet by the squint-eyed man beside her, she rose, and laughing in silly fashion, stumbled to the aisle, her straying hair, her ragged clothing, her big shoes and shuffling gait all blending with the wild, eerie look of her eyes, the constant munching of the almost toothless mouth.

Again she laughed, in a vacant, embarrassed manner, as she reached the stand and held up her hand for the administration of the oath.