The doctor had asked many questions and had elicited the fact that Matilde had a preparation of arsenic in powders, which she took according to prescription, and which she showed him after the first spasms were passed.

She assured him, however, that she had only taken one on that day, and had taken it just before luncheon.

The rest of the powders were intact and still lay upon her toilet table.

She showed them also.

He took the next one, on the top of the pile, and said that he would examine it and ascertain whether the chemist had made any mistake.