The Count of Monte Cristo

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the symptoms of tetanus and poisoning by vegetable substances is so
great, that were I obliged to affirm by oath what I have now stated, I
should hesitate; I therefore repeat to you, I speak not to a magistrate,
but to a friend. And to that friend I say. 'During the three-quarters of
an hour that the struggle continued, I watched the convulsions and the
death of Madame de Saint-Meran, and am thoroughly convinced that not
only did her death proceed from poison, but I could also specify the
poison.'"

"Can it be possible?"

"The symptoms are marked, do you see?--sleep broken by nervous spasms,
excitation of the brain, torpor of the nerve centres. Madame de
Saint-Meran succumbed to a powerful dose of brucine or of strychnine,
which by some mistake, perhaps, has been given to her." Villefort seized
the doctor's hand. "Oh, it is impossible," said he, "I must be dreaming!
It is frightful to hear such things from such a man as you! Tell me, I