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 The Sainte Croix-De Brinvilliers Case. fee for the performance of his deadly work. Such was the Chevalier. He was un doubtedly beloved by the Marquise, so far at least as such a sensuist was capable of loving anyone. On several occasions she requested

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would be difficult to find. Eight days only after the death of the elder brother, — the Civil Lieutenant, — on the 20th of June, 1670, was a bond signed by Madame for the sum of thirty thousand livres. It cer-

from him poisons to be administered THE GREAT CHATELET to OF PARIS.

her husband. These he gave her, probably fearing to refuse, and then was exceedingly careful to quietly present the aforesaid hus band with an antidote,— lest in the future an obligation to marry the widow should arise. Truly the delicate humor of this situ ation has seldom been paralleled. A more obliging lover and complaisant husband

tainly cannot be said that the disciple of Exili was inclined to undervalue his services. La Chausde then left the employ of Sainte Croix, and three months afterwards entered that of the Counsellor d'Aubray. As the brothers lived together, opportunities for a double poisoning were not lacking. La Chausee was faithful to his employers. One day, while waiting at table, he put the poison