The Count of Monte Cristo

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"Still, sir; and I shall always do so," replied d'Avrigny, "for it has
never for one instant ceased to retain possession of my mind; and that
you may be quite sure I am not mistaken this time, listen well to what I
am going to say, M. de Villefort." The magistrate trembled convulsively.
"There is a poison which destroys life almost without leaving any
perceptible traces. I know it well; I have studied it in all its forms
and in the effects which it produces. I recognized the presence of
this poison in the case of poor Barrois as well as in that of Madame de
Saint-Meran. There is a way of detecting its presence. It restores the
blue color of litmus-paper reddened by an acid, and it turns syrup of
violets green. We have no litmus-paper, but, see, here they come with
the syrup of violets."

The doctor was right; steps were heard in the passage. M. d'Avrigny
opened the door, and took from the hands of the chambermaid a cup which
contained two or three spoonfuls of the syrup, he then carefully closed
the door. "Look," said he to the procureur, whose heart beat so loudly