I splashed some water into the tumbler, and then trickled in a small quantity afterward, to imitate the sound of adding the poison. This done I respectfully handed the bottle to my companion.
“To our next meeting!” I called out lightly, as I lifted the tumbler to my lips and drained it.
It was the Princess who swooned.
Although I had not foreseen this weakness on her part I took advantage of it to draw the tiny key of the oratory from her bosom, and hide it in my mouth.
I then touched the bell twice, the signal for the Princess’s maid to appear.
“Fauchette,” I said, when she entered—for this was the assistant I had alluded to as watching over my personal safety—“Madame has just given me the contents of that stoppered bottle. Do you know anything about them?”
Fauchette had made good use of her time since obtaining her situation. These things are so easily managed that I am almost ashamed to explain that a bribe to the former maid had brought about a convenient illness, and the recommendation of Fauchette as a temporary substitute.
“Yes, Monsieur,” she said quietly. “I filled the bottle with water this afternoon, in case of accident. I have preserved the previous contents, in case you should care to have them analyzed.”
“You have done well, very well, my girl.”
Fauchette blushed with pleasure. I do not often say so much to my staff.