"You have constituted me her brother, and I am therefore entitled to inquire." "You will learn when the demand is made," said the Puritan.

"You will then know why I have given the promise, and the nature of the obligation imposed upon my daughter to fulfil it." "But is this obligation ever to remain binding ?" demanded Sir Jocelyn.
"If the claim be not made within a year after my death, she is discharged from it," replied Hugh Calveley.
"O, thanks, father, thanks!" exclaimed Aveline.
At this moment the door of the vault was thrown open, and two persons entered, the foremost of whom Sir Jocelyn instantly recognised as the King.

The other was his Majesty's physician, Doctor Mayerne Turquet.

A glance sufficed to explain to the latter the state of the Puritan.
"Ah! parbleu! the man is dying, your Majesty," he exclaimed.
"Deeing! is he ?" cried James.

"The mair reason he suld tell his secret, to us without procrastination.