He had heard, he said, that the master had a trusted assistant, a certain Zorzi.

Pasquale answered that Zorzi was in the laboratory, and led the way.
Zorzi was greatly surprised, but as Venier had anticipated, he said nothing before Pasquale which could show that he had met his visitor before.

Venier made a courteous inclination of the head, and the porter disappeared immediately.
"I heard that you had been hurt," said Venier, when they were alone.

"I came to see whether I could do anything for you.

Can I ?" Zorzi was touched by the kind words, spoken so quietly and sincerely, for it was only lately that any one except Marietta had shown him a little consideration.