The idea startled me, and I was at a loss what to say.
"The Lord Bishop presents his profound regrets, and will monsieur care to watch?"
I saw at once that a refusal would have horrified the ecclesiastic.
"I shall regard it as an honor," I said. "When?"
"From midnight to two o'clock," answered the priest. "The later watches are arranged."
"It is understood," I said, after a pause.
And the priest departed, charged with my compliments to the Lord Bishop.
I had a horror of the duty which had been thrust upon me. It went against not merely my inclinations but my instincts. However, there was only one thing to do, and of course I did it.
At five minutes to twelve I was knocking at the north door of the cathedral. A sacristan, who carried in his hand a long lighted taper, admitted me at once. Save for this taper and four candles which stood at the four corners of the bier, the vast interior was in darkness.