, that, for the last twelve months, I
have given M. Noirtier brucine for his paralytic affection, while the
assassin is not ignorant, for he has proved that brucine is a violent
poison."

"Oh, have pity--have pity!" murmured Villefort, wringing his hands.

"Follow the culprit's steps; he first kills M. de Saint-Meran"--

"O doctor!"

"I would swear to it; what I heard of his symptoms agrees too well with
what I have seen in the other cases." Villefort ceased to contend; he
only groaned. "He first kills M. de Saint-Meran," repeated the doctor,
"then Madame de Saint-Meran,--a double fortune to inherit." Villefort
wiped the perspiration from his forehead. "Listen attentively."

"Alas," stammered Villefort, "I do not lose a single word."

"M. Noirtier," resumed M. d'Avrigny in the same pitiless tone,--"M.
Noirtier had once made a will against you--against your family--in favor
of the poor, in fact; M. Noirtier is spared, because nothing is expected
from him. But he has no sooner destroyed his first will and made a
second, than, for fear he should make a third, he is struck down. The
will was made the day before yesterday, I believe; you see there has
been no time lost."

"Oh, mercy, M. d'Avrigny!"

"No mercy, sir! The physician has a sacred mission on earth; and
to fulfil it he begins at the source of life, and goes down to the
mysterious darkness of the tomb. When crime has been committed, and
God, doubtless in anger, turns away his face, it is for the physician to
bring the culprit to justice."

"Have mercy on my child, sir," murmured Villefort.

"You see it is yourself who have first named her--you, her father."

"Have pity on Valentine! Listen--it is impossible! I would as willingly
accuse myself! Valentine, whose heart is pure as a diamond or a lily."

"No pity, procureur; the crime is fragrant. Mademoiselle herself packed
all the medicines which were sent to M. de Saint-Meran; and M. de
Saint-Meran is dead. Mademoiselle de Villefort prepared all the cooling
draughts which Madame de Saint-Meran took, and Madame de Saint-Meran is
dead. Mademoiselle de Villefort took from the hands of Barrois, who was
sent out, the lemonade which M. Noirtier had every morning, and he has
escaped by a miracle. Mademoiselle de Villefort is the culprit--she is
the poisoner! To you, as the king's attorney, I denounce Mademoiselle de
Villefort, do your duty."

"Doctor, I resist no longer--I can no longer defend myself--I believ