rate (to the sheriff's officer)
Names and titles may be taken later; now write down the notes of the
investigation, and the inquiry. (To Gertrude) Did you yesterday
forenoon put opium into the tea of Mlle. de Grandchamp?

Gertrude
Ah! doctor--this is you.

Ramel
Do not accuse the doctor. He has already too seriously compromised
himself for you! Answer the magistrate!

Gertrude
It is true.

The Magistrate
Madame recognizes the cup and admits that she put opium in it. That
will be enough for the present, at this stage of the inquiry.

Gertrude
Do you accuse me then of something further? What is it?

The Magistrate
Madame, if you cannot free yourself from blame with regard to a later
event, you may be charged with the crime of poisoning. We must now
proceed to seek proofs either of your innocence or of your guilt.

Gertrude
Where will you seek them?

The Magistrate
From you! Yesterday you gave Mlle. de Grandchamp an infusion of orange
leaves, in another cup which contained arsenic.

Gertrude
Can it be possible!

The Magistrate
The day before yesterday you declared that the key of your desk, in
which the arsenic was locked, never left your possession.

Gertrude
It is in my dress pocket.

The Magistrate
Have you ever made any use of that arsenic?

Gertrude
No; you will find the parcel still sealed.

Ramel
Ah! madame, I sincerely hope so.

The Magistrate
I very much doubt it; this is one of those audacious criminals--

Gertrude
The chamber is in disorder, permit me--

The Magistrate
No, no! All three of us will enter it.

Ramel
Your innocence is now at stake.

Gertrude
Gentlemen, let us go in together.

SCENE EIGHTH

Vernon (alone)
My poor General! He kneels by the bed of his daughter; he weeps, he
prays! Alas! God alone can give her back to him.

SCENE NINTH

Vernon, Gertrude, Ramel, the Magistrate and the Sheriff's Officer.

Gertrude
I scarce can believe my senses; I am dreaming--I am--

Ramel
You are ruined, madame.

Gertrude
Yes, sir--But by whom?

The Magistrate (to the sheriff's officer)
Write down that Madame de Grandchamp having herself unlocked for us
the desk in her bedchamber and having herself given into our hands the
parcel sealed by M. Baudrillon, this parcel which two days ago was
intact is found unsealed and from it has been taken a dose, more than
sufficient to produce death.

Gertrud