He was weeping and in great trouble--he said the little donzella had the fever in her throat--it is the diphtheria he means, I think.

She was taken ill in the middle of the night, but the nurse thought it was nothing serious.

This morning she has been getting worse, and is in danger." "A doctor has been sent for, of course ?" "Yes, eccellenza.

So Giacomo said.

But--" "But WHAT ?" I asked, quickly.
"Nothing, eccellenza! Only the old man said the doctor had come too late." My heart sunk heavily, and a sob rose in my throat.