The young man said nothing, but fixed his eyes upon the cross.
"Papa," said Lucia timidly, "do you know ?" "Yes.

Is he alone ?" asked Marzio in a tone which was not like his own.
"There is Assunta," answered the young girl.
"I will go to him," said the artist, and without further words he lifted the crucifix from the table and went out.

His face was very grave, and his features had something in them that none of the three had seen before--something almost of grandeur.

Gianbattista and Lucia followed him.
"I will be alone with him," said Marzio, looking back at the pair as he reached the door of the sick chamber.

He entered and a moment afterwards old Assunta came out and shuffled away, holding her apron to her eyes.
Marzio went in.