Death and the Maiden Read Free

Fräulein Rosenkrantz die?’
    ‘It would appear that she imbibed an excessive quantity of laudanum.’
    ‘Intentionally?’
    ‘That is certainly a possibility …’
    ‘However?’
    ‘I can think of no reason why she should have chosen to end her life. I take it you are aware of Fräulein Rosenkrantz’s reputation? She was at the height of her powers. There are few who can claim to have conquered the hearts of the music-loving public so decisively. We have been robbed of a singular talent, make no mistake.’
    ‘When was the last time Fräulein Rosenkrantz had cause to request a consultation?’
    ‘Only two weeks ago.’
    ‘With respect to …?’
    ‘A touch of neuralgia but otherwise she was in excellent spirits. I can remember her talking excitedly about roles she expected to take next season.’
    ‘So what are we to conclude, Herr Doctor? That her death was accidental?’
    ‘That would be my opinion …’ Engelberg’s sentence trailed off into silence. He sighed and began again: ‘That would be my opinion were it not for the fact that Fräulein Rosenkrantz once needed the services of a psychiatrist. In the spring I arranged for her to see Professor Daniel Saminsky.’ Engelberg paused before adding: ‘A colleague of some distinction. He once had the honour of attending the late empress, and has since been awarded the Order of Elizabeth.’
    Rheinhardt twisted the horns of his moustache.
    ‘What was the reason for the referral?’
    ‘Globus hystericus,’ Engelberg replied.
    ‘Would you care to explain?’
    ‘A hysterical phenomenon: typically, the patient reports the presence of a lump in the throat which produces difficulty when swallowing. Physical investigations reveal no obvious obstruction and the lump, or rather the perceived lump, is subsequently ascribed to psychological causes. Globus hystericus is not a diagnosis that we doctors commonly associate with suicide. And to the best of my knowledge Professor Saminsky’s treatment was effective.’
    Rheinhardt walked over to the bedside table, picked up one of the bottles and sniffed the pungent residue.
    ‘Did you prescribe these tinctures?’
    ‘No.’
    ‘Then who did?’
    ‘Professor Saminsky, I believe.’
    ‘Didn’t you say that Saminsky’s treatment was successful?’
    ‘That is correct. Nevertheless, he continued to see Fräulein Rosenkrantz for monthly appointments.’ Engelberg raked his hand through his hair. ‘No doctor can be absolutely certain of a patient’s state of mind. If Fräulein Rosenkrantz was suffering from suicidal melancholia it not only escaped my notice, it also escaped Professor Saminsky’s.’
    Rheinhardt replaced the bottle.
    ‘Herr Doctor, you say that Fräulein Rosenkrantz was fully recovered. Why, then, was she taking laudanum?’
    ‘To hasten the onset of sleep. Difficulty sleeping was another of her problems. She has taken paraldehyde, sulphonal, potassium bromide and a host of herbal remedies. The laudanum has nothing to do with her globus hystericus.’ Engelberg patted his pocket and removed a cigar. ‘May I smoke, inspector?’
    ‘Of course,’ said Rheinhardt, taking a box of matches from his pocketand courteously providing a light. ‘Herr Doctor, looking at Fräulein Rosenkrantz’s body, does anything strike you as odd?’
    ‘I’m not sure what you mean, inspector.’
    ‘Her position,’ said Rheinhardt. ‘In the centre of the rug.’
    Engelberg shrugged and surrounded himself with a yellow nimbus of smoke. ‘Inspector, imagine, if you will, the following: Fräulein Rosenkrantz retires to her bedroom. She cannot sleep. She takes some laudanum but it has little effect. Those of a nervous character, as she undoubtedly was, are often less susceptible to soporifics.’ He sucked at his cigar and flicked some ash into an onyx dish. ‘She waits, but remains incorrigibly awake. Becoming impatient, she drinks another phial. Although she feels the laudanum isn’t working, it most certainly is.