The buzzing of flies in the light fireplace could be heard.
"Have you sent for the doctor ?" Benedetto whispered.
The old woman began to sob again, "You heal him! You heal him! in the name of Jesus and Mary!" Again the sick man's groans were heard.

Maria Selva said softly to Benedetto: "The doctor is in Subiaco.

Signor Selva, whom you perhaps know, has gone to the chemist's.

I am his wife." At this point Giovanni returned, out of breath and worried.

The chemist's shop was closed, the chemist absent.