"Good! You must prepare for the doctor the chamber at the end of the long gallery,—Hugh's chamber. You know which one."
"Yes, Sperver. I will see to it at once."
"One moment! You will take the doctor's valise with you as you go. Knapwurst will give it to you. As to supper—"
"Never fear; I will take care of all that."
"Very good."
The little man went out, and Gideon, after throwing off his cape, left us to go and inform the young Countess of my arrival. I was somewhat embarrassed by the attentions of Marie Lagoutte.
"Come, up with you, Sebalt!" she said to the master of the hounds; "you ought to be sufficiently roasted by this time, sprawling there since morning. Sit down by the fire, Monsieur Doctor; your feet must be cold. Stretch out your legs; that's the way." Then, after a minute: "You have come just in time; our master had his second attack yesterday, and it was a terrible one; hey, Master Offenloch?"
"Terrible is just the word," replied the majordomo gravely.
"Nor is it to be wondered at, when a man takes no nourishment; and he eats nothing, monsieur. Fancy, it is two days since he has taken so much as a bowl of broth."
"Or a glass of wine," added Tobie, crossing his fat hands on his comfortable waistband.