SCENE FIFTH
The same persons, Ramel, the Investigating Magistrate, a Doctor, a
Corporal of Police and Marguerite.
Marguerite M. Vernon, the magistrates are here. M. Ferdinand, you must leave the room.
(Exit Ferdinand.)
Ramel Take care, corporal, that all the entrances of this house are guarded, and observe our orders! Doctor, can we remain here a few moments without danger to the sick lady?
Vernon
She is asleep, sir; and it is her last slumber.
Marguerite Here is the cup into which the infusion was poured and which still has traces of arsenic; I perceived it there as soon as I took hold of it.
The Doctor (examining the cup and tasting the contents)
It is evident that the liquid contains some poisonous substance.
The Magistrate Please to make an analysis of it. (He sees Marguerite picking up a small piece of paper from the ground.) What paper is that?
Marguerite
Oh, it is nothing.