It struck me with surprise, even at that moment, that Eveena took it from my hand and carried it first to her own lips.
Eive had turned to leave the room; but before she had reached the threshold Eveena had sprung up, placed her foot upon the spring that closed the door, and snatching the test-stone from my watch chain dipped it into the cup.

Her face turned white as death, while she held up to my eyes the discoloured disc which proved the presence of the deadliest Martial poison.
"Be calm," she said, as a cry of horror burst from my lips.

"The keys!" "_You_ have them," Eive said with a gasp, her face still averted.
"I took them from Eveena myself," I answered sternly.

"Stand back into that corner, Eive," as I opened the door and called sharply the other members of the household.

When they entered, unable to stand, I had fallen back upon a chair, and called Eive to my side.