"Signor Giordano," said his Eminence, "you are not over-anxious, I hope?
It is only some case of indigestion, is it not ?" The doctor again bowed.

By the slight quiver of the Cardinal's voice he understood how acute was the anxiety of that powerful man, who once more was stricken in his dearest affections.
"Your Eminence must be right," he said, "there's a bad digestion certainly.

Such accidents sometimes become dangerous when fever supervenes.

I need not tell your Eminence how thoroughly you may rely on my prudence and zeal." Then he broke off and added in a clear professional voice: "We must lose no time; the Prince must be undressed.
I should prefer to remain alone with him for a moment." Whilst speaking in this way, however, Doctor Giordano detained Victorine, who would be able to help him, said he; should he need any further assistance he would take Giacomo.

His evident desire was to get rid of the members of the family in order that he might have more freedom of action.