My lady's illness--what was it?
Because she would help Our Man, and, out of his hatred, yonder second son said that to her which no woman can bear that's a true woman; and then, what with a chill and fever, she's been yonder ailing these weeks past.

She did what she could for him, and her husband did what he could against him." The old man settled back in his chair again.

"Thee has kept silent all these years?
Thee has never told any that lives ?" "I gave my word to her that died--to our Egyptian's mother--that I would never speak unless you gave me leave to speak, or if you should die before me.

It was but a day before the lad was born.

So have I kept my word.