Portland spoke to Dr. Radcliffe.
"How long," he asked, "will it be?"
"She may," answered the doctor, in a lowered voice, "live another day, my lord, no more; the smallpox are now so sunk there is no hope of raising them."
"Should she not be warned of her danger?"
"That is as the King wishes."
"The King!" echoed Portland, in a tone of despair. He turned again to his master. "Sire," he said gently, "will you have the Queen told?"
William looked up; the tears were streaming down his face for any one to see; he continually shuddered violently, and spoke so hoarsely Portland could with difficulty catch the words.
"I'll not believe it yet—I cannot—these doctors—must save her——"
"Dr. Tenison," answered Portland, "is with her now—it were best that he should tell her of her condition——"
The King broke out into ejaculations of anguish.