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"Your highness." said Mirazzi, "we are now safe and alone." The duke arose, kicked off his coverlet, and stood erect. "My dear doctor," said he, "you must prove to me that I may trust you." "For thirty years I have served your royal highness's family, and I am ready to do so, be it with my life," replied Mirazzi.

With a great effort he raised himself in bed, beckoned to the marshal of the household to approach, and, supported by Mirazzi, he put his name to the will. "I request my minister and the marshal of my household to approach and witness the signing of my will."

During the four days that followed this announcement, nobody was allowed to enter the room except Doctor Mirazzi, and the old nurse that sat up with the duke at night. But, on the fifth day, two persons were admitted. Of these, one was the marshal of the duke's household, the other was his cousin Eugene. They were received with mysterious whisperings, and were warned not to excite the patient.

"I believe you, Mirazzi; and therefore I, who am insincere toward everybody else, am honest in my intercourse with you. Now listen to me. In the science of medicine there are many remedies for diseases. Are there any potions, known to physicians, that have power to PRODUCE maladies?" "That is a dangerous inquiry, your highness; for it regards the most tragic secrets of the craft.

"I thank your highness for so signal a proof of confidence," said Mirazzi, "but I am not at liberty to assume the undivided responsibility of your nursing; for you may become really sick, and you must have all needful attention. Were we in Turin, her highness your noble spouse would suffer no one to attend you except herself; but here "

And, with injunctions for silence, the doctor accompanied his colleagues to the door, which was noiselessly opened by the lackeys; but, before they had time to close it again, Mirazzi shut it with his own hands, loosening simultaneously a thick velvet portiere, through whose heavy folds no sound could penetrate without. Victor Amadeus, meanwhile, lay motionless in his arm-chair.

"Your royal highness amazes me, and I know not " He was interrupted by a loud groan which brought Doctor Mirazzi to the bed in a trice. The duke was trembling; his teeth were clinched, and his hands were pressed upon his temples. Restoratives were used, and at the proper time the patient unclosed his eyes.

The other physicians had retired to the embrasure of a bay-window, and the lackeys had gathered about the door, where they were awaiting further orders from their superiors. All this the duke had seen at a glance. He closed his eyes again, but, as he did so, he made a sign to Doctor Mirazzi.

His head was enveloped in damp cloths, his temples were rubbed with stimulants, and, after various restoratives had been applied, he slowly opened his eyes, and looked bewildered about him. Nobody was near except Doctor Mirazzi.

"Certainly," was the reply of the others, who were grateful to be relieved from duty. "Shall we appoint seven o'clock?" "Yes," answered Mirazzi; "and we will hold our consultation in the duke's sitting-room. Our presence, here might be prejudicial."