“I really do not remember hearing anything.”

“Do you mean to say you did not hear voices?”

“Oh, yes, I heard the voices, but I did not hear what they said.” A faint spot of colour came into her cheek. “I am not in the habit of listening to private conversations.”

The Coroner persisted.

“And you remember nothing at all? Nothing , Mrs. Cavendish? Not one stray word or phrase to make you realize that it was a private conversation?”

She paused, and seemed to reflect, still outwardly as calm as ever.