“That which I hold in my left hand, sir, is an antidote for vegetable poison, and this is a certain cure for the most deadly mineral poison. Now let me go in, and since you have given your patient up, you cannot deny me a chance to save her.”
“Demar, this woman is crazy beyond all question; and if you let her administer any drug to your wife, I want you to distinctly understand that you do it against my advice or consent.”
Demar, whose mind was overflowed with sorrow, gazed wildly at the mysterious woman before him.
“Madame,” he groaned, “why do you wish to murder such a sweet angel as Lottie?”
“You are all murderers who stand here caviling about nonsense, while your victim is dying! I can and will save Lottie’s life, if you will only let me do it.”
“Did you place the poison in the bouquet?”
“No, but I know who did; and if you will let me, I will save Lottie’s life and then show you the poisoner.”
“How am I to know that the drug you propose to give my wife is not poison?”
“Give me a spoon and see me drink the same quantity that I shall offer to your wife.”
“Your request is reasonable, and I will take the risk.”