My
relays have given out. Go back to Perigny in the spring. I shall be
buried here."
Jehan shivered. The earth would be very cold here.
"The lad was a prophet. He told me that I should die in bed like this,
alone, without one of my blood near me at the end. He spoke of
phantoms, too. . . . They are everywhere. And without the consolation
of a friendly priest!"
"Monsieur, do you know me?"
"Why, yes, Jehan."
"Brother Jacques and Monsieur le Comte returned this day from the
wilderness. I have seen them."
The marquis's hands became still. "Pride has filled my path with black
pits. Jehan, after all, was it a dream?"
"What, Monsieur?"
"That duel with D'Herouville"
"It was no dream, Monsieur."
"That is well. I should, like to see Monsieur le Comte. He must be a
man now."
"I will call him."
"Presently, presently. He forgave me. Only, I should like to have him
know that my lips lied when I turned him away. Brother Jacques; he
will satisfy my curiosity in the matter of absolution. Death? I never
feared it; I do not now. However, I leave with some regret; there were
things which I appreciated not in my pursuit of pleasure.
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