"No, I never heard of it. Upon my word, Strozzi, you interest me exceedingly."
"Do I? Well, I will tell you more, then. Katherina made a present to Joanna of a pair of embroidered gloves. The day after she wore them she was dead. What do you think of that?—And did you ever hear how the Prince of Porcia died—he who advised the dauphin to divorce his wife because she had been married for eight years and had borne him no children?" continued Strozzi, with increasing volubility.
"I confess my ignorance, Strozzi; do enlighten me."
"I will, sir. The prince received a present from Katherina (she was a great hand to make presents). This time it was a flask of fine Italian oil for his night-lamp, which oil, in burning, emitted a delicate perfume. By the time the flask was emptied, the prince had gone the way of all flesh."
"And all this because of Queen Katherina's science?"
"And all this because of Queen Katherina's science!" echoed Strozzi.
"But you have not yet hit upon her secret yourself?"
"Not yet; but I think I am on the track, and hope to discover it in time to try it on Prince Eugene."
Barbesieur rose from his seat, and, coming toward Strozzi, struck him on the shoulder. "Now, Strozzi, look at me attentively, and try to understand what I am about to say to you. I will help you to seek this poison. Do you hear?"
"Yes," said Strozzi, with a cunning leer. "Yes, I hear. You will help me to seek the poison for Prince Eugene."