ard the Duke in a low voice saying something to the
company that was within: and immediately they began to come out, three
or four Bishops, among them, my Lord Halifax, Lord Keeper North, and my
Lord Craven; I noticed that M. Barillon was very careful to let all in
the antechamber have a clear view of the bed, at which, by now the Duke
was kneeling down, having drawn back the curtains a little, yet not so
much as to shew us the King lying there.

Round about me they talked very little, though I saw the Bishops
whispering together. The two brothers spoke together, very low, for ten
minutes or a quarter of an hour; and I could hear the murmur of the
Duke's voice. Of His Majesty's I heard nothing except that twice he
said, very clear:

"Yes.... Yes, with all my heart."

And I thanked God when I heard that.

* * * * *

Yet, even so, all was not yet done.

So soon as I saw the Duke stand up again from his kneeling, and coming
down the chamber, I slipped away to the door that leads out towards Her
Majesty's apartments, that I might be ready for him. I saw him come
through, all the people standing and bowing to him, and M. Barillon
following him; and I noticed in particular a young gentleman whose name
I did not know at that time--(it was the Comte de Castelmelhor, a very
good Catholic)--standing out, a little by himself. I noticed this man
because I saw that the Duke looked at him as he came and presently
signed to him very slightly, with his head, to follow. So all four of us
passed through the door into the long gallery that unites their
Majesties' apartments and found ourselves alone in it. The Count was a
little behind.

"He has consented," said the Duke in a low voice, "to my bringing him a
priest. We must send for one. But I dare not bring one of the Duchess':
they are too well-known."

"Sir," said Monsieur Barillon, "I will do so with pleasure. Why not one
of Her Majesty's priests?"

The Duke nodded. We three were all standing together about the middle of
the gallery. The Comte de Castelmelhor was halted, uncovered, a little
behind us. The Duke turned to him.

"Count," said he, speaking in French, "we are on a very urgent business.
His Majesty hath consented that a priest should come to him. Will you
go for us to the Queen and ask for one of her chaplains?"

The young man flushed up with pleasure.

"With all my heart, Sir," he said. "Which priest shall I ask for? Is
there