Everything was plain, clean and comfortable.
The doctor, with a deprecating gesture, signed to the duke to wait a moment, and went up to the side of the bed, and finding his patient awake, whispered:
"Monsieur, the friend you expected has arrived."
"You mean—the Duke of Hereward?" faintly inquired Scott.
"Yes, monsieur."
"Give me then—some cordial—to keep up my strength—for fifteen minutes longer," sighed the dying man at intervals.
The doctor signed to Sister Francoise, who sat by the bedside, to go and bring what was required.
The old nun went to the deal table and brought a small bottle of cognac brandy and a slender wine glass.
The doctor filled the glass, lifted the head of the patient, and placed the stimulant to his lips.
Scott swallowed the brandy, drew a deep breath as he sank back upon the pillow and said: