The commercial traveler was still relating everywhere his version of the event, concluding it now with his melodramatic meeting with the father, the latter's fatal fall on receiving the news, and desperation upon recovering consciousness.
The first mate had hastened to present himself at his captain's home.
All the Blanes were there, surrounding Cinta and trying to console her.
"My son!...

My son!..." the mother was groaning, writhing on the sofa.
And the family chorus drowned her laments, overwhelming her with a flood of fantastic consolations and recommendations of resignation.

She ought to think of the father: she was not alone in the world as she was affirming: besides her own family, she had her husband.
Toni entered just at that moment.
"His father!" she cried in desperation.

"His father!..." And she fastened her eyes on the mate as though trying to speak to him with them.

Toni knew better than anyone what that father was, and for what reason he had remained in Naples.