The essence of
poppies, ten times sublimated, a few grains of which bring on the
stupor of apoplexy; and the sardonic plant, that kills its victim
with the frightful laughter of madness on his countenance.
The knowledge of these and many more cursed herbs, once known to
Medea in the Colchian land, and transplanted to Greece and Rome with
the enchantments of their use, had been handed, by a long succession
of sorcerers and poisoners, down to Exili and Beatrice Spara, until
they came into the possession of La Corriveau, the legitimate
inheritrix of this lore of hell.
Before closing the cabinet, La Corriveau opened one more secret
drawer, and took out, with a hesitating hand, as if uncertain
whether to do so or no, a glittering stiletto, sharp and cruel to
see. She felt the point of it mechanically with her thumb; and, as
if fascinated by the touch, placed it under her robe. "I may have
need of it," muttered she, "either to save myself OR to make sure of
my work on another. Beatrice Spara was the daughter of a Sicilian
bravo, and she liked this poignard better than even the poisoned
chalice.
Pages:
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
692
693
694
695
696