They went down the steps with di Leyni, and turned in the direction of the people, who seemed to be expecting them in the avenue of orange-trees.

At that moment a volley of angry voices rang out at the gate.

The road was full of people.

They had been waiting for hours, ever since the rumour spread in the Testaccio quarter that the Saint of Jenne had returned to Villa Mayda, but was ill.

So far they had asked only for news.