"It isn't at all healthy near their river, you know.

Don Vigilio, his Eminence's secretary, is always having the fever, and I assure you that it isn't pleasant." She accordingly advised him to remain upstairs and lie down again.

She would excuse his absence to the Princess and the Contessina.

And he ended by letting her do as she desired, for he was in no state to have any will of his own.

By her advice he dined, partaking of some soup, a wing of a chicken, and some preserves, which Giaccomo, the big lackey, brought up to him.