The Count was lying in a dangerous condition at the Auberge Royale, and might not be moved.

The physician attending him all but despaired of his life.
"He is asking to see you," said Castelroux.
But I was not minded to respond.

For all that he had deeply wronged me, for all that I despised him very cordially, the sight of him in his present condition might arouse my pity, and I was in no mood to waste upon such a one as Chatellerault even on his deathbed--a quality of which I had so dire a need just then for my own case.
"I will not go," said I, after deliberation.

"Tell him from me that I forgive him freely if it be that he seeks my forgiveness; tell him that I bear him no rancour, and--that he had better make his will, to save me trouble hereafter, if he should chance to die." I said this because I had no mind, if he should perish intestate, to go in quest of his next heirs and advise them that my late Picardy estates were now their property.
Castelroux sought yet to persuade me to visit the Count, but I held firmly to my resolve.
"I am leaving Toulouse to-day," I announced.
"Whither do you go ?" "To hell, or to Beaugency--I scarce know which, nor does it matter." He looked at me in surprise, but, being a man of breeding, asked no questions upon matters that he accounted secret.
"But the King ?" he ventured presently.
"His Majesty has already dispensed me from my duties by him." Nevertheless, I did not go that day.

I maintained the intention until sunset; then, seeing that it was too late, I postponed my departure until the morrow.