"Tell me," I said.
Again he glanced behind him; but there was no further sound. He came a little nearer.
"His Majesty was taken with a fit soon after he awakened. Mr. King was here, by good fortune, and blooded him at once. Now they are blooding him again. Her Majesty hath been sent for."
"He is not dying? You will swear that to me?"
He nodded: and again he appeared to listen. I took him by his button again.
"Mr. Chiffinch," said I, "you must attend to me. This is the very thing I have waited for. If there is any imminent danger you must send for a priest. You promise me that?"
He shook his head violently: so I tried another attack.
"Well," I said, "then you will allow me to remain here? Is the Duke come?"
"Not yet," said he. "Ailesbury is gone for him."
"Well—I may remain then?"