But the Marchese di Castelmare was one of these few,--perhaps as much, or more, on the score of old friendship as on that of rank and social importance.
The old lawyer was not more importantly occupied when he received the Marchese's message, than by intently examining a bronze medal through a magnifying-glass; and he sent back word that he would be with the Marchese immediately.

The fact was he did not like the look of this summons at all.

He, too, had observed the unmistakable change in his old friend; and jumped to the conclusion that what he was wanted for was to make, or to be consulted about making, the Marchese's will.
"To think of his breaking up so suddenly, in such a way as this.

No stamina! Why, he must be twenty years my junior; and I don't feel a day older than I did ten years ago, not a day.

He has led a steady life too; and seemed as likely a man to last as one would wish to look at.