“You refused to allow the one who is attached to the castle to attend me.”
“In five minutes, if you wish it, he shall be here.”
“Let him be sent then,” said the old man, “and believe me there is not a moment to be lost. He must come quickly.”
“But if I give you the peace of heaven, you will give me in exchange peace on earth.”
“What can I do for you?” murmured the dying man, closing his eyes, that he might not see a woman whose looks chilled him.
“You stand in need of a priest, that you may die in peace,” said the marchioness, “you know the gift I require, in order to exist in tranquillity.”
“You would close heaven to me by a perjury.”
“I would open it to you by a pardon.”
“That pardon I have already received.”
“And from whom?—”