"Father," continued the voice, "I am not ill; if you are anxious about that, you may rest easy. I have no fever. I am rather hot; it is nothing more."
Ursus stammered out,—
"At the mouth of the Meuse—"
"I am quite well, father; but look here! I feel that I am going to die!"
"Do nothing so foolish," said Ursus. And he added, "Above all, God forbid she should have a shock!"
There was a silence. Suddenly Ursus cried out,—
"What are you doing? Why are you getting up? Lie down again, I implore of you."
Gwynplaine shivered, and stretched out his head.