It was the Cardinal, still standing by the bedside, who caught him in his arms, whilst the Contessina this time lost her head: "_Dio, Dio_! It has come on him again.

Quick, quick, a doctor!" "Shall I run for one ?" asked Pierre, whom the scene was also beginning to upset.
"No, no, not you; stay with me.

Victorine will go at once.

She knows the address.

Doctor Giordano, Victorine." The servant hurried away, and a heavy silence fell on the room where the anxiety became more pronounced every moment.