And fortunately an end was put to the terrible scene by the arrival of the doctor whom Victorine had fetched.
Doctor Giordano was a little old man of over sixty, with white curly hair, and fresh-looking, clean-shaven countenance.

By long practice among Churchmen he had acquired the paternal appearance and manner of an amiable prelate.

And he was said to be a very worthy man, tending the poor for nothing, and displaying ecclesiastical reserve and discretion in all delicate cases.

For thirty years past the whole Boccanera family, children, women, and even the most eminent Cardinal himself, had in all cases of sickness been placed in the hands of this prudent practitioner.
Lighted by Victorine and helped by Pierre, he undressed Dario, who was roused from his swoon by pain; and after examining the wound he declared with a smile that it was not at all dangerous.

The young Prince would at the utmost have to spend three weeks in bed, and no complications were to be feared.