"We will try, anyway;" and with affectionate persistence he pushed the King out of bed, and took his place.
"Now, Henri," he said, "go and lie on my sofa, and leave all to me."
Henri obeyed; he began to understand Chicot's plan.
"You are silent," continued the voice, "which proves that your heart is hardened."
"Oh, pardon, pardon, Lord!" exclaimed Chicot, imitating the King's nasal twang. Then, stretching himself out of bed, he whispered to the King, "It is very odd, but the heavenly voice does not seem to know that it is Chicot who is speaking."
"Oh!" replied Henri, "what do you suppose is the meaning of that?"
"Don't be in a hurry; plenty of strange things will happen yet!"
"Miserable creature that you are!" went on the voice.
"Yes, Lord, yes!" answered Chicot. "I am a horrible sinner, hardened in crime."
"Then confess your sins, and repent."