And apart from that oath, the benefits I have received at his hand are such as to give him a claim second only to my necessity.

A claim, Messer Blondel, which--I say it sorrowfully--I dare not set aside for any private feeling or private gain." Blondel rose violently, his hands clawing the air.

"And I must die ?" he cried, his voice thick with rage.

"I must die because he _may_ be ill?
Because--because----" He stopped, struggling with himself, unable, it seemed, to articulate.

By-and-by it became apparent that the pause had another origin, for when he spoke he had conquered his passion.