Sister Giovanna was the supervising nurse for the week, and in the natural course of her duty it was she who went to the telephone when Doctor Pieri called up the hospital at seven o'clock.

In a few words he explained the case as far as was necessary, and begged the Sister to have a good room ready for the patient; he believed that Number Two was vacant.
It was, and the wounded man could have it.

The Doctor said he would bring him in a motor towards nine o'clock.
'The patient's name, if you please,' said Sister Giovanna in a businesslike tone.
'Captain Severi.

I do not know his first name.

What is the matter, Sister ?' The nun had uttered a low exclamation of surprise, which Pieri had heard distinctly.
'Nothing,' she answered, controlling her voice.