He was delighted to see me; and when I was going away, under promise to turn the following day, he begged me more importunately and affectionately than he was wont to do, to give him as such of my company as possible.

I was a little affected; yet was about to leave, when Madame de la Boetie, as if she foresaw something about to happen, implored me with tears to stay the night.

When I consented, he seemed to grow more cheerful.

I returned home the next day, and on the Thursday I paid him another visit.

He had become worse; and his loss of blood from the dysentery, which reduced his strength very much, was largely on the increase.