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338 "I cannot take upon myself to allow such a risk, both for your sake and—pardon my parental anxiety—for hers. She is now sleeping; and the leech hoped so much from her being kept quiet, that I dare not suffer her to be disturbed. I shall treat her as a prisoner. See, I have in my own possession the key of the gallery which communicates with her apartments."

"There cannot be too much care taken in such a case," said the Duke of Buckingham, gravely, and looking at the King; then, changing his manner to one of extreme interest, he added, "Are you satisfied with only your ordinary advice? Should not you send express to London?"

"I think so highly of the care I have often myself experienced, that I am content to wait till to-morrow: a quiet night may do much."

Madame de Soissons urged no more her wish to see Francesca, but joined with the rest in expressing her regret.

The party soon broke up, for it was very late, and the intelligence of their hostess's illness did anything but exhilarate the circle. We always feel afraid, when any one is taken suddenly ill, that our own turn may come next; for the following day and night, at least, symptoms are equally fancied and watched.