The strong hot tears fell upon the bed coverings, and his breast heaved with passionate sobbing.
He did not see that Paolo opened his eyes at the sound.

He did not notice the rush of feet in the passage without, as Maria Luisa and Lucia and Gianbattista ran to the door, followed by old Assunta holding up her apron to her eyes.
"Courage, Sor Marzio," said Gianbattista, drawing the artist back from the bed.

"You will disturb him.

Do you not see that he is conscious at last ?" Lucia was arranging the pillows under Paolo's head, and Maria Luisa was crying with joy.

Marzio sprang to his feet and stared as though he could not believe what he saw.