But, alas, “dead salt” appeared on no list of known poisons.

However, none of this dissuaded Robert. He assured Martha that the case was progressing and that he was close to finding a formula. In his opinion, the salt should be used together with some pills; but so far, he did not know exactly which.

In short, Robert decided simply not to participate in any poisoning, but to waste time and squeeze new financial concessions out of Martha. She has already agreed to add his name as a co-owner of some of her stocks.

Martha nervously carved out ice bits while skating. She tried to breathe deeply and evenly. She already began to suspect Robert of financial deceitfulness and just plain cowardice.

They still spent time in the hotel room, drinking champagne. However, Martha’s lingerie shows became less common. It was evident that she was becoming run down. She started really seeing a shrink.

Meanwhile Robert was developing a taste for this, as they say; he was getting carried away. He appeared in the room, where Martha waited impatiently for him. Her bag with the skates lay on the floor. She asked in a shaking voice, “Well, did you find it? Did you find the formula?” She resembled a melting snow maiden.

Robert took off his cold kid-glove, and stroked Martha’s head.

“Yes, my darling, I did.”

She flushed like a shy young woman upon hearing her first declaration of love. She helped him take off his winter coat. They walked to the coffee table, where there was a bottle of champagne on ice, glasses, an open chocolate bar and an open Bible, which Martha had now started reading frequently.

Robert sat down on a leather ottoman, took the champagne bottle, and—pop!—poured it into glasses.