THE DRUCE CASE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12967, 21 November 1907, Page 7

THE DRUCE CASE.

MISS ROBINSON'S EVIDENCE. United P«»» Awacistion-Sjr Elactrio T«tagr«ph—Opynthl. LONDON, November 10. Miss Robinson deposed that Charles Dickens, in 1868, introduced her to I>ruce at Welbeok, and she became his outside correspondent. MrPJowden, the Magistrate, remark* ed that he thought Drue* disappeared in 1864. He refused to admit a partial copy of the diary made by Miss Robinson when preparing her evidence. (Received November 20th, 10.20 p.m.) LONDON, November 20. Miss Bobinson testified that sh«* beard from Charles Dickens in 1869 that Drttce was the Duke of Portland..' She told Druce, who w«s angry, and would not. listen to her, b**t m 1870 be admitted it, saying that he carried the name Druce because ho had a wife of that name below his rank. Miss Robinson want to various places after 1870 at the Duke's instructions, and -he visited her in those places She had a misunderstanding with him in 1876. Ho then paid her her wages, and she •spent five years in the East, and in 1897 went to New Zealand. Tho wit new was severely cross-ex-amined. She stated that she knew from 1863 onwards «a Druce the gentleman whom aha bad seen at Tun*bridlge Wells and Richmond in 1862. He never told her tha* he pretended to die in 1864. She was not- aware before she arrived in England laat February that Druce, of Baker street Bazaar, was supposed to have died in 1864. She etajed at Worksop to receito letters under cover. Until she was aware of the Duke's identity she called him Druce. She volunteered to give evidence, and did not arrange to receive her expenses in the case,, but expected to be paid hereafter. Sho bad.aome little money on account. She denied knowing Caldwell in Christchurdh, New Zealand,, or Grundy in New Zealand. Miaa Robinaon shortly afterwards fainted. The hearing waa adjourned till Tbianday.