Dane at once perceived an odour of damp woods, and the doors had to be closed again.

An old petroleum lamp was burning on the writing-desk.

Professor Minucci, who had weak eyes, asked timidly for a shade; which was looked for, found, and put in place.

Don Paolo grumbled under his breath: "This is an infirmary!" His friend Leyni, who also thought these numerous petty cares should be set aside at such a moment, experienced an unpleasant sensation of coldness.

Giovanni experienced the same sensation, but in a reflex manner, for he knew the impression that those present, who were strangers to them, must receive of Dane and perhaps also of Minucci.