d of the first attack I discovered symptoms of tetanus; you
confirmed my opinion."

"Yes, before others," replied the doctor; "but now we are alone"--

"What are you going to say? Oh, spare me!"

"That the symptoms of tetanus and poisoning by vegetable substances are
the same." M. de Villefort started from his seat, then in a moment fell
down again, silent and motionless. Morrel knew not if he were dreaming
or awake. "Listen," said the doctor; "I know the full importance of the
statement I have just made, and the disposition of the man to whom I
have made it."

"Do you speak to me as a magistrate or as a friend?" asked Villefort.

"As a friend, and only as a friend, at this moment. The similarity in
the symptoms of tetanus and poisoning by vegetable substances is so
great, that were I obliged to affirm by oath what I have now stated, I
should hesitate; I therefore repeat to you, I speak not to a magistrate,
but to a friend. And to that friend I say. 'During the three-quarters of
an hour that the struggle continued, I watched the convulsions and the
death of Madame de Saint-Meran, and am thoroughly convinced that not
only did her death proceed from poison, but I could also specify the
poison.'"

"Can it be possible?"

"The symptoms are marked, do you see?--sleep broken by nervous spasms,
excitation of the brain, torpor of the nerve centres. Madame de
Saint-Meran succumbed to a powerful dose of brucine or of strychnine,
which by some mistake, perhaps, has been given to her." Villefort seized
the doctor's hand. "Oh, it is impossible," said he, "I must be dreaming!
It is frightful to hear such things from such a man as you! Tell me, I
entreat you, my dear doctor, that you may be deceived."

"Doubtless I may, but"--

"But?"

"But I do not think so."

"Have pity on me doctor! So many dreadful things have happened to me
lately that I am on the verge of madness."

"Has any one besides me seen Madame de Saint-Meran?"

"No."

"Has anything been sent for from a chemist's that I have not examined?"

"Nothing."

"Had Madame de Saint-Meran any enemies?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"Would her death affect any one's interest?"

"It could not indeed, my daughter is her only heiress--Valentine alone.
Oh, if such a thought could present itself, I would stab myself to
punish my heart for having for one instant harbored it."

"Indeed, my dear friend," said M. d'Avrigny, "I would not accuse any
one; I speak only of an