I wrapped my skirt round Monsieur Dario's shoulders, you know, so I don't think any blood fell on the stairs.

By and by, too, I'll go down with a sponge and wipe the slabs in the porch--" She stopped short, looked at Dario, and then quickly added: "He's breathing--now I'll leave you both to watch over him while I go for good Doctor Giordano, who saw you come into the world, Contessina.

He's a man to be trusted." Alone with the unconscious sufferer in that dim chamber, which seemed to quiver with the frightful horror that filled their hearts, Benedetta and Pierre remained on either side of the bed, as yet unable to exchange a word.

The young woman first opened her arms and wrung her hands whilst giving vent to a hollow moan, as if to relieve and exhale her grief; and then, leaning forward, she watched for some sign of life on that pale face whose eyes were closed.

Dario was certainly breathing, but his respiration was slow and very faint, and some time went by before a touch of colour returned to his cheeks.