The Count of Monte Cristo

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from the spring, in the fruit you pluck from the tree."

"But did you not say that my kind grandfather's precaution had
neutralized the poison?"

"Yes, but not against a strong dose; the poison will be changed, and the
quantity increased." He took the glass and raised it to his lips. "It
is already done," he said; "brucine is no longer employed, but a simple
narcotic! I can recognize the flavor of the alcohol in which it has been
dissolved. If you had taken what Madame de Villefort has poured into
your glass, Valentine--Valentine--you would have been doomed!"

"But," exclaimed the young girl, "why am I thus pursued?"

"Why?--are you so kind--so good--so unsuspicious of ill, that you cannot
understand, Valentine?"