"Good-night," said the little man, slipping through the door that
was held open for him with the politest alacrity.
"This is vexatious," said Father Rocco, taking a turn or two in
the study after his visitor had gone. "It was bad to have done
the child an injustice--it is worse to have been found out. There
is nothing for it now but to wait till I know where she is. I
like her, and I like that note she left behind her. It is
bravely, delicately, and honestly written--a good girl--a very
good girl, indeed!"
He walked to the window, breathed the fresh air for a few
moments, and quietly dismissed the subject from his mind. When he
returned to his table he had no thoughts for any one but his sick
niece.
"It seems strange," he said, "that I have had no message about
her yet. Perhaps Luca has heard something. It may be well if I go
to the studio at once to find out."
He took up his hat and went to the door. Just as he opened it,
Fabio's servant confronted him on the thresh old.
"I am sent to summon you to the palace," said the man. "The
doctors have given up all hope."
Father Rocco turned deadly pale, and drew back a step. "Have you
told my brother of this?" he asked.
"I was just on my way to the studio," answered the servant.
"I will go there instead of you, and break the bad news to him,"
said the priest.
They descended the stairs in silence.
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