But Ruggiero had contracted that malady of the heart which had taken him to the chemist's for the first time in his life, and which materially hindered the formation of any plan by which he might be obliged to leave his present situation.

Moreover the disease showed no signs of yielding; on the contrary, the action of the vital organ concerned became more and more spasmodic and alarming, while its possessor grew daily leaner and more silent.
The last package had been taken down, the last of the score of articles which the Marchesa was sure to want with her in the sail boat before she reached the spot where the main cargo of comforts would be waiting; the last sandwich, the last box of sweetmeats, the iced lemonade, the wraps and the parasols were all stowed away in their places.

Then San Miniato went to fetch the Marchesa, marshalling in his two porters with their chair between them.
"Dearest Marchesa," said the Count, "if you will give yourself the trouble to sit in this chair, I will promise that no further exertion shall be required of you." The Marchesa di Mola looked up with a glance of sleepy astonishment.
"And why in that chair, dearest friend?
I am so comfortable here.

And why have you brought those two men with you ?" "Have you forgotten our dinner at Tragara ?" asked San Miniato.
"Tragara!" gasped the Marchesa.

"You are not going to take me to Tragara! Good heavens! I am utterly exhausted! I shall die before we get to the boat." "Altro e parlar di morte--altro e morire," laughed San Miniato, quoting the famous song.