When her niece only muttered incoherent words, she ordered the maid to bring her medicine-chest.
Denise had gone and Fraulein Van Hoogstraten now perceived Henrica's letter, raised it close to her eyes, read page after page with increasing indignation, and at last tossed it on the floor and tried to shake her niece awake; but in vain.
Meantime Belotti had been informed of Henrica's serious illness and, as he liked the young girl, sent for a physician on his own responsibility, and instead of the family priest summoned Father Damianus.

Then he went to the sick girl's chamber.
Even before he crossed the threshold, the old lady in the utmost excitement, exclaimed: "Belotti, what do you say now, Belotti?
Sickness in the house, perhaps contagious sickness, perhaps the plague." "It seems to be only a fever," replied the Italian soothingly.

"Come, Denise, we will carry the young lady to the bed.
"The doctor will soon be here." "The doctor ?" cried the old lady, striking her fan on the marble top of the table.

"Who permitted you, Belotti--" "We are Christians," interrupted the servant, not without dignity.
"Very well, very well," she cried.

"Do what you please, call whom you choose, but Henrica can't stay here.