Having obtained this plain answer, William consulted Fagon again without disguise, and obtained some prescriptions which were thought to have a little retarded the approach of the inevitable hour.

But the great King's days were numbered.

Headaches and shivering fits returned on him almost daily.

He still rode and even hunted; [26] but he had no longer that firm seat or that perfect command of the bridle for which he had once been renowned.
Still all his care was for the future.

The filial respect and tenderness of Albemarle had been almost a necessary of life to him.