"Look well," she repeated. "As you believe—in God—do not miss a single one!"

"They are all here."

"How many?"

"Six."

Silence followed that word; and Claude, watching his wife, could not see that a muscle in her body moved. Nevertheless, he dared not break the stillness. When she spoke at last, it was in a normal tone.

"Claude, we must go to the palace at once."

"Child! You are mad! What do you mean?"

"Claude, you must trust me. I know the sickness of your cousin. I can—perhaps—save her life. Come with me now, at once."

"No."

"Claude! For the sake of mercy, you must come!"