Ah well, to
die in bed, Jehan, was not among my calculations. But human
calculations never balance in the sum total. I have dropped a figure
on the route, somewhere, and my account is without head or tail. I
recall a letter on the table. See if it is there, Jehan."
Jehan searched and found a letter under a book.
"What does it say?"
"'To Monsieur le Marquis de Perigny, to be delivered into his hands at
my death'," Jehan read.
"From . . . from my son?"
"I do not know, Monsieur."
"Open it and read it."
"It is in Latin, Monsieur, a language unknown to me," Jehan carefully
explained.
"Give it to me;" but the marquis's fingers trembled and shook and his
eyes stared in vain. "My eyes have failed me, too. I can not
distinguish one letter from another. Give it to Brother Jacques when
he comes. He is a priest; they all read Latin."
"Then I shall send for him and Monsieur le Comte?"
"Wait till I am sure that I can stand the sight of him. Is Sister
Benie without? Call her. She quiets me. Brother Jacques may come in
half an hour; after him, Monsieur le Comte. I wish to have done with
all things and die in peace.
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