And at the end the good man humbly begged that the most Excellent Princess would deign to allow his stipend to be paid in advance, in order that he might do something to help his poor.
Veronica read the letter twice, and judged it.

Then she determined to do something at once, for she knew that the man had written the truth.

She should have liked to send for him, and talk with him of what should be done; but she could not forget the things he had said about Bosio, and for that reason she did not wish to see him again--at least, not yet.
His mind was unbalanced about that matter; but charity was a different thing.
His address in Naples was in the letter.

She wrote a note in answer, begging him to tell her how much money he should need to hire a vacant house, since there was no time to build one, and to fit it decently with what he thought necessary, in order that it might serve as a refuge and hospital for the very poor.

She sent Elettra with the letter.
It was raining again, and by good fortune Don Teodoro was at home, though it was still before noon.