How very disagreeable it will
be! Nothing around you but blank walls; no associates but thieves and
murderers--hard labor with these pretty hands--a hard bed for this
handsome body--coarse and wretched food for these dainty red lips--the
dress, the food, the work, and the treatment of a convict!
Disagreeable, is it not, madam? But that is the least that a felon,
convicted of an attempt to poison, can expect! There is only one point
which I have omitted, and which may count for you. This life in prison
will not be so hard to you--since your ladyship has already served your
apprenticeship among felons.'
"The point at last was reached. Madam had listened with changing color,
and my words seemed to paint the frightful scene in all its horror.
Suddenly fury mastered her. She rose and seemed clutching at some
weapon to strike me.
"'You are _a gentleman_! you insult a woman.'
"'You are a poisoner, madam--you make tea for the gentleman!'
"'You are a coward! do you hear? a coward!'
"'I can not return, madam, the same reproach!' I replied, rising and
bowing; 'it required some courage to attempt to poison me upon the very
night of my wedding!'
"My words drove her to frenzy.
"'Beware!' she exclaimed, taking a step toward me, and putting her hand
into her bosom.
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