This dark tale , whispered at first , was now bruited far and wide . The people raved against the Lady Eleanore and cried out that her pride and scorn had evoked a fiend , and that between them both this monstrous evil had been born . At times their rage and despair took the semblance of grinning mirth ; and whenever the red flag of the pestilence was hoisted over another and yet another door , they clapped their hands and shouted through the streets in bitter mockery : `` Behold a new triumph for the Lady Eleanore ! '' One day in the midst of these dismal times a wild figure approached the portal of the province-house , and , folding his arms , stood contemplating the scarlet banner , which a passing breeze shook fitfully , as if to fling abroad the contagion that it typified . At length , climbing one of the pillars by means of the iron balustrade , he took down the flag , and entered the mansion waving it above his head . At the foot of the staircase he met the governor , booted and spurred , with his cloak drawn around him , evidently on the point of setting forth upon a journey . `` Wretched lunatic , what do you seek here ? '' exclaimed Shute , extending his cane to guard himself from contact . `` There is nothing here but Death ; back , or you will meet him . '' `` Death will not touch me , the banner-bearer of the pestilence , '' cried Jervase Helwyse , shaking the red flag aloft . `` Death and the pestilence , who wears the aspect of the Lady Eleanore , will walk through the streets to-night , and I must march before them with this banner . '' `` Why do I waste words on the fellow ? '' muttered the governor , drawing his cloak across his mouth . `` What matters his miserable life , when none of us are sure of twelve hours ' breath ? -- On , fool , to your own destruction ! '' He made way for Jervase Helwyse , who immediately ascended the staircase , but on the first landing-place was arrested by the firm grasp of a hand upon his shoulder . Looking fiercely up with a madman 's impulse to struggle with and rend asunder his opponent , he found himself powerless beneath a calm , stern eye which possessed the mysterious property of quelling frenzy at its height . The person whom he had now encountered was the physician , Dr. Clarke , the duties of whose sad profession had led him to the province-house , where he was an infrequent guest in more prosperous times . `` Young man , what is your purpose ? '' demanded he .
`` I seek the Lady XXXXX , '' answered Jervase Helwyse , submissively .
Clarke Eleanore Helwyse Shute banner-bearer day first hours landing-place to-night