ain very softly, when the door into the
Bedchamber was noiselessly pulled open, and Mr. Chiffinch came down the
stairs. That dreadful look of tightness and pain was gone from his face:
he was almost smiling. He nodded at me, very cheerful.

"He is better. The King's Majesty is much better," he whispered. Then
his face twitched with emotion; and I saw that he was very near crying.
I was not far from it myself.

CHAPTER IX

How the hours of that day went by I scarcely know at all. I went back to
dine in my lodgings, and to counter-order all preparations for my going
on the morrow, so soon as I knew that His Majesty was out of any
immediate danger; for I could not find it in my heart to leave town
until he was altogether recovered. In the afternoon, before going back
to inquire how he was, I walked a good while in the court and the Privy
Garden, though the day was very raw and cold.

Whitehall had been put as in a state of siege from the first moment that
the King's illness was known. The gates were closed to all but those who
had lodgings in the Palace, and those who were allowed special entry by
His Royal Highness. The sentries everywhere were greatly augmented; both
horse and foot were placed at every entrance; and the greatest
strictness was observed that no letter should pass out either to His
Grace of Monmouth or to the Prince of Orange: even M. Barillon had but
permission to send one letter to the French King as to His Majesty's
state. All this was to hinder any rising or invasion that might be made
either within or without the kingdom. I was in the court when the
couriers rode out with despatches to the Lords Lieutenant of the
Counties with advices as to what to do should His Majesty die; and I was
there too when the deputies came from the Lord Mayor and Aldermen and
Lieutenants of the City to inquire for the King and to assure His Royal
Highness of their loyalty and support. This was of the greatest
satisfaction to the Duke; for I suppose that he did not feel very
secure.

A little before supper I went round to Mr. Chiffinch's; and, by the
greatest good fortune found him on the point of returning to His
Majesty's lodgings. He gave me an excellent account as we went together.

"The physicians declare," said he, "that His Majesty is out of danger:
and bath permitted the Duke to tell the foreign ministers so. They have
had another consultation on him; and have prescribed God knows what!
Cowslip and Sal