He had not forgotten how his master had taken leave of him, and the unexpected friendliness of old Pasquale after his accident had made a difference in his life; but of all men he had ever met, Venier was the one whom he had instinctively desired for a friend.
"Have you come over from Venice on purpose to see me ?" he asked, in something like wonder.
"Yes," answered Venier with a smile.

"Why are you surprised ?" "Because it is so good of you." "You have solemnly sworn to do as much for me, and for all the companions of our society," returned Venier, still smiling.

"We are to help each other under all circumstances, as far as we can, you know.

You are standing, and it must tire you, with those crutches.

Shall we sit down?
Tell me quite frankly, is there anything I can do for you ?" "Nothing you could ever do could make me more grateful than I am to you for coming," answered Zorzi sincerely.
Venier took the crutches from his hands and helped him to sit on the bench.
"You are very kind," Zorzi said.
Venier sat down beside him and asked him all manner of questions about his accident, and how it had happened.