"'Yes, my lady. I was born in this house, and my mother lived and died here.'
"'Was your master always a student, Denise?'
"Always, my lady. Even when he was a boy he would shut himself up with his books. He is not like other men. From his youngest days we used to speak of him with wonder.'
"'He is very learned,' said my lady. 'How shall one be forgiven for breaking up his life?'
"'Ah, my lady,' I said, 'if I dared to speak!'
"'Speak freely, Denise!'
"And then I described to her what a favourite my master was when he was a lad, and how everybody admired him, although he held himself aloof from people. I spoke of his gentleness, of his kindness, of his goodness to the poor, whom he used to visit and help in secret. I told her that never did woman have a more faithful and devoted lover than my master was to her, nor a man with a nobler heart, nor one who stood more highly in the world's esteem.
"She listened in silence, and did not chide me for my boldness, and when I was done, she said she would retire to rest. But she was so weak that she could scarcely rise from her chair.
"'I had best remain with you to-night, my lady,' I said; 'you may need my services.'
"'It is not necessary," she said; 'I shall require nothing, and I shall be better to-morrow.'