Still ill satisfied, I was about to press him farther, when La Trape raised his voice, and feebly asked for me. A page who had taken the other's place was supporting his head, and two or three of my gentlemen, who had come in unbidden, were looking on with scared faces. I went to the poor fellow's side, and asked what I could do for him.
"I am dying!" he muttered, turning up his eyes. "The doctor! the doctor!"
I feared that he was passing, but I bade him have courage. "In a moment he will be here," I said; while the King in distraction sent messenger on messenger.
"He will come too late," the sinking man answered. "Excellency?"
"Yes, my good fellow," I said, stooping that I might hear him the better.
"I took ten pistoles yesterday from a man to get him a scullion's place; and there is none vacant."
"It is forgiven," I said, to soothe him.
"And your excellency's favourite hound, Diane," he gasped. "She had three puppies, not two. I sold the other."
"Well, it is forgiven, my friend. It is forgiven. Be easy," I said kindly.
"Ah, I have been a villain," he groaned. "I have lived loosely. Only last night I kissed the butler's wench, and—"