I stopped in my rapid walk and bade Vincenzo call a carriage, one of the ordinary vehicles that are everywhere standing about for hire in the principal thoroughfares of Naples.

I sprung into this and told the driver to take me as quickly as possible to the Villa Romani, and adding to Vincenzo that I should not return to the hotel all day, I was soon rattling along the uphill road.

On my arrival at the villa I found the gates open, as though in expectation of my visit, and as I approached the entrance door of the house, Giacomo himself met me.
"How is the child ?" I asked him eagerly.
He made no reply, but shook his head gravely, and pointed to a kindly looking man who was at that moment descending the stairs--a man whom I instantly recognized as a celebrated English doctor resident in the neighborhood.

To him I repeated my inquiry--he beckoned me into a side room and closed the door.
"The fact is," he said, simply, "it is a case of gross neglect.

The child has evidently been in a weakly condition for some time past, and therefore is an easy prey to any disease that may be lurking about.