He was a skilful man, and, though much employed about the Court, a Huguenot--a fact which had emboldened Simon Fleix to apply to him through the landlord of the 'Bleeding Heart,' the secret rendezvous of the Religion in Blois.

When he had made his examination he was for leaving, being a grave and silent man, and full of business, but at the door I stopped him.
'Well, sir ?' I said in a low tone, my hand on his cloak.
'She has rallied, and may live three days,' he answered quietly.

'Four, it may be, and as many more as God wills.' Pressing two crowns into his hand, I begged him to call daily, which he promised to do; and then he went.

My mother was still dozing peacefully, and I turned to Simon Fleix, my doubts resolved and my mind made up.
'Listen,' I said, 'and answer me shortly.

We cannot both leave; that is certain.