"But what?"
"It must be administered at once; otherwise"—
"Otherwise?"
"Sire, it is a terrible poison," said Réné, again.
"Yet it does not kill immediately," said Charles.
"No, but it kills surely, no matter how long the time, though even this may sometimes be calculated."
Charles leaned against the marble table.
"Now," said he, putting his hand on Réné's shoulder, "you know this book?"
"I, sire?" said Réné, turning pale.
"Yes, you; on seeing it you betrayed yourself."