ysicians were just dispersing; and, by good
fortune I was at hand when my Lord Keeper North questioned Sir Charles
Scarburgh as he went back to His Majesty's chamber.

"Well?" said he, very short. "What do you say to-day?"

"My Lord!" said Sir Charles, "we conclude that His Majesty hath an
intermittent fever."

"And what the devil of that?" asked my Lord. "Could anything be worse?"

(There was a little group round them by now; and I could see one of the
Bishops listening a little way off.)

"My Lord," said the other, "at least we know now what to do."

"And what is that?" snapped my Lord who seemed in a very ill humour.

"To give the Cortex, my Lord," said Sir Charles with great dignity; for
indeed the manner of my Lord was most insolent.

My Lord grunted at that.

"Peruvian Bark, my Lord," said the physician, as if speaking to a child.

Well; there was no more to be got that morning. I was in and out for a
little, again in two minds as to what to do. His Royal Highness went
through the antechamber at one time (to meet M. Barillon, as I saw
presently, and conduct him to the King's chamber), a little before
dinner, but at such a quickness, and with such sorrow in his face that I
dared not speak to him. I went back to dinner; and fell asleep
afterwards in my chair, so greatly was I wearied out with anxiety; and
did not wake till near four o'clock. Then, thank God! I did awake; and,
with all speed went again to His Majesty's lodgings; and this time,
guided, I suppose, by Divine Providence, for I had no clear intention in
what I did, I went up the private way, through the King's closet where I
found no one, down the steps, and so into the little chamber where I had
talked with Mr. Chiffinch on the first morning of His Majesty's
distemper.

The chamber was empty; but immediately after I had entered--first
knocking, and getting no answer--who should come through, his face all
distorted with sorrow, but Mr. Chiffinch himself! There was but one
candle on the table, but by its light, I saw how it was with him.

I went up immediately, and took him by the arms; he stared at me like a
terrified child.

"My friend," said I, "I must have no further delay. You must take me to
His Majesty."

He shook his head violently; but he could not speak. As for me, all my
resolution rose up as never before.

I gripped him tighter.

"I ask but five minutes," I said. "But that I must have!"

"I--I cannot," said he, very low.