The rumbling of thunder was heard, and the sister went to close the window.

First, however, she glanced into the garden, and exclaimed, "Poor things!" Benedetto heard, and wished to know what she meant.

He was told that the garden was full of people who had come to see him, and that a heavy shower was threatening.

He begged the Selvas to wait, and the Professor to allow the people to enter.
A heavy trampling sounded, on the narrow wooden stairs.

The door was thrown open, and several persons entered on tiptoe.