Gionetta herself pretended to be ill, to avoid the sick-chamber.

The whole labour of love and sorrow fell on Viola.

It was a terrible trial,--I am willing to hurry over the details.

The wife died first! One day, a little before sunset, Pisani woke partially recovered from the delirium which had preyed upon him, with few intervals, since the second day of the disease; and casting about him his dizzy and feeble eyes, he recognised Viola, and smiled.

He faltered her name as he rose and stretched his arms.