me through. But I was past
him before he could change his mind again, and through a compile of
antechambers in one of which a page started up to know my business, but
I was past him as if he were no more than a shadow.

Then I was in the great gallery, where I had sat with the King and his
company but four days ago.

* * * * *

It presented a very different appearance now. Then it had been all
ablaze with lights and merry with laughter and music. Now it was lit by
but a pair of candles over the hearth and, the glow of a dying fire.
Overhead the high roof glimmered into darkness, and the gorgeous
furniture was no more than dimness. I stopped short on the threshold,
bewildered at the gloom, thinking that the chamber was empty; then I saw
that a woman had raised herself from the great couch on which the King
had lolled with his little dogs last Sunday night, and was staring at me
like a ghost.

At that sight I ran forward and kneeled down on one knee.

"Madame," I said in French, "His Majesty hath sent me--"

At that she was up, and had me by the shoulders. Her face was ghastly,
all slobbered over with crying, and her eyes sunken and her lips pale as
wax. God knows what she was dressed in; for I do not.

"His Majesty," she cried, "His Majesty! He is not dead! For the love of
God--"

I stood up; she still gripped me like a fury.

"No, Madame," said I, "His Majesty is not dead. He hath sent me. I spoke
with him not five minutes ago. But he is very near death."

"He hath sent for me! He hath sent for me!" she screamed, as if in
mingled joy and terror.

"No, Madame; but he hath sent to you. His Majesty desires you to get him
a priest."

Her hands relaxed and fell to her side. I do not know what she thought.
I do not judge her. But I thought that she hesitated. I fell on my knees
again; and seized her hand. I would have kneeled to the Devil, if he
could have helped me then.

"Madame--for the love of Christ do as the King asks! He desires a
priest. For the love of Christ, Madame!"

She was still silent for an instant, staring down on me. Then she tore
her hand free, and I thought she would refuse me. But she caught me
again by the shoulders.

"Stand up, sir; stand up. I--I will do whatever the King desires. But
what can I do? God! there is someone coming!"

There came very plainly, through the antechambers I had just run
through, the tramp of feet. I stood, as in a paralysis,