In other words, I contrived to set my fair friend talking freely about the old nurse and the interesting invalid.
"Out of the flow of words poured on me, one fact of very serious importance has risen to the surface.

There is a suspicious canister in the nurse's possession.

The landlady calls the powder inside, medicine.
I say, poison.
"Am I rushing at a fanciful conclusion?
Please wait a little.
"During the week of delay which elapsed, before the lodger in possession vacated my room, you kindly admitted me to an interview.

I ventured to put some questions, relating to Teresa's life in Italy and to the persons with whom she associated.

Do you remember telling me, when I asked what you knew of her husband, that he was foreman in a manufactory of artists' colours?
and that you had your information from Miss Carmina herself, after she had shown you the telegram announcing his death?
"A lady, possessed of your scientific knowledge, does not require to be told that poisons are employed in making artists' colours.