“Patrick,” said the duke, “bring me the casket in which the diamond studs were kept.”

Patrick brought the object desired, which Laporte recognized as having belonged to the queen.

“Now the scent bag of white satin, on which her cipher is embroidered in pearls.”

Patrick again obeyed.

“Here, Laporte,” said Buckingham, “these are the only tokens I ever received from her — this silver casket and these two letters. You will restore them to her Majesty; and as a last memorial” — he looked round for some valuable object — ”you will add — ”

He still sought; but his eyes, darkened by death,