It's so ridiculous.

Nobody has seen anything, it seems, excepting Monsieur l'Abbe, whom I ask to keep the matter secret.

And in particular I don't want anybody to alarm the Cardinal or my aunt, or indeed any of our friends." Doctor Giordano indulged in one of his placid smiles.

"_Bene, bene_," said he, "that's natural; don't worry yourself.

We will say that you have had a fall on the stairs and have dislocated your shoulder.