There was a small shaded lamp on the deal table, which illuminated the room with a soft light.

Marzio felt that he could not trust himself at first to look at his brother's face.

He set the crucifix upon the old chest of drawers, and put the lamp near it.

Then he remained standing before it with his back to the bed, and his hands in the pockets of his blouse.

He could hear the regular breathing which told that Paolo was still alive.