Page:The Monk, A Romance - Lewis (1796, 1st ed., Volume 1).djvu/215

 vered the haft of a dagger. I returned to my seat with tranquillity, and affected not to have observed their confusion.

"You have not suited my taste, honest friend," said I, addressing myself to Baptiste: "I never can drink champagne without its producing a violent illness. I swallowed a few mouthfuls ere I was aware of its quality, and fear that I shall suffer for my imprudence."

Baptiste and Jacques exchanged looks of distrust.

"Perhaps," said Robert, "the smell may be disagreeable to you?"

He quitted his chair, and removed the goblet. I observed, that he examined whether it was nearly empty.

"He must have drank sufficient," said he to his brother in a low voice, while he re-seated himself.

Marguerite looked apprehensive that I had tasted the liquor. A glance from my eye re-assured her.

I waited with anxiety for the effects