"Still it is odd,"the King said. "These drinks were not here, at
that time, of course?"
"No, sire; they have been brought up within the hour."
"Well, your butler must explain it." And with that he raised his
voice and called La Trape back; who came, looking red and
sheepish.
"Not dead yet?" the King said.
"No, sire."
"Nor ill?"
"No, sire."
"Then begone. Or, stay!" Henry continued. "Throw the rest of
this stuff into the fire-place. It may be harmless, but I have
no mind to drink it by mistake."
La Trape emptied the cup among the green boughs that filled the
hearth, and hastened to withdraw. It seemed to be too late to
make further inquiries that night; so after listening to two or
three explanations which the King hazarded, but which had all too
fanciful an air in my eyes, I took my leave and retired.
Whether, however, the scene had raised too violent a commotion in
my mind, or I was already sickening for the illness I have
mentioned, I found it impossible to sleep; and spent the greater
part of the night in a fever of fears and forebodings.
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