It is the process
of administering the poison that he dreads. A man so distinguished
as my Lord cannot be taken seriously ill without medical attendance.
Where there is a Doctor, there is always danger of discovery.
Then, again, there is the Courier, faithful to my Lord as long
as my Lord pays him. Even if the Doctor sees nothing suspicious,
the Courier may discover something. The poison, to do its work with
the necessary secrecy, must be repeatedly administered in graduated doses.
One trifling miscalculation or mistake may rouse suspicion.
The insurance offices may hear of it, and may refuse to pay the money.
As things are, the Baron will not risk it, and will not allow his sister to
risk it in his place.
'My Lord himself is the next character who appears. He has
repeatedly rung for the Courier, and the bell has not been answered.
"What does this insolence mean?"
'The Countess (speaking with quiet dignity--for why should her
infamous husband have the satisfaction of knowing how deeply he has
wounded her?) reminds my Lord that the Courier has gone to the post.
My Lord asks suspiciously if she has looked at the letter.
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