Fortune's rocks_ a novel - Anita Shreve [160]
“And then what happened?”
“I prayed for her soul.”
• • •
Counsel for the respondents wishes to call Dean Bardwell of the Hastings Seminary for Females:
“Dean Bardwell, thank you for journeying from western Massachusetts to Ely Falls, which, as we all know, is a considerable distance.”
“Yes, sir, it is. But when I received your offer of funds for the journey, I felt I could do with a bit of rest at the seaside.”
“Yes. Well. Dean Bardwell, do you remember the relator, Olympia Biddeford, from when she was at your seminary?”
“Yes, Mr. Sears, I do indeed.”
“What can you tell us about her stay there?”
“She distinguished herself academically. She was quite superior in her studies. All of her teachers gave her excellent recommendations.”
“And what would you say of her personal adjustment to the school?”
“She was what I would call a recluse. She kept to herself. If she had any friends at the school, I am not aware of them. This is highly unusual, I might add. One would expect that in three years a young woman would form some attachments.”
“Would you say that Olympia Biddeford was antisocial?”
“Yes, sir, I would.”
“Would you say that Olympia Biddeford is academically prepared to go out into the world and accept a teaching position?”
“Yes, most definitely.”
“Would you recommend her for such a position?”
“No, I would not. I cannot recommend someone who has previously abandoned an employer without cause.”
“How were you informed that the relator had abandoned her post as governess to the sons of Averill Hardy in July of last year?”
“I received a letter in the mail from Mr. Hardy. That was the first I heard of it. Miss Biddeford did not see fit to inform us herself. He said that he was glad the girl was gone, because one of his sons had revealed that she had made what might be considered to be improper advances to the boy.”
“Would you allow Olympia Biddeford to reenroll at Hastings?”
“On the basis of that letter, no, I could not.”
• • •
Counsel for the respondents wishes to call Zachariah Cote to the stand:
“Mr. Cote, you are a published poet of no small reputation within the literary community, is that correct?”
“Yes, Mr. Sears, I have been fortunate in my career.”
“Would you tell the court how it is that you came to know Olympia Biddeford?”
“I was a guest at her father’s house in Fortune’s Rocks on several occasions.”
“And what was your opinion of Olympia Biddeford when you met her?”
“She was obviously very well educated. She seemed nice enough, although perhaps a little too sure of herself.”
“Did that opinion change at any time that summer?”
“Yes, sir, it most certainly did.”
“Can you tell us about this?”
“On the Fourth of July 1899, I was returning from a celebration in Rye. The Burning of the Wagons? Do you know about this? The farmers roll their hay wagons into the center of town and set them on fire? . . .”
“Yes, Mr. Cote. I am sure we have all heard of this local custom. Please go on.”
“Well, my driver had decided to return to Fortune’s Rocks by way of the road through the marshes, as it is the quickest route. I was staying at the Highland Hotel at the time.”
“Yes, go on.”
“Well, as we came around a corner, I saw a couple embracing by the side of the road.”
“And can you tell us who that couple was?”
“Yes, sir, I can. It was Olympia Biddeford and Dr. John Haskell.”
“Are you certain of this?”
“Yes, I am. The lantern from my carriage lit up their faces.”
“What was your reaction?”
“I was deeply shocked, sir. Dr. Haskell was a married man. And Olympia Biddeford was only fifteen years old.”
“And did you tell anyone of this sighting?”
“No, I did not. Although I thought there might be a future date when I would feel compelled to speak of this to Phillip Biddeford.”
“And