e interview of the Pere Massoni with
Carrol was one of deep anxiety, the morning did not bring any relief
to his cares. His first duty was to ask after Fitzgerald. The youth had
slept little, but lay tranquil and uncomplaining, and to all seeming
indifferent either as to the strange place or the strange faces around
him. The keen-eyed servant, Giacomo, himself an humble member of the
order, quickly detected that he was suffering under some mental shock,
and that the case was one where the mere physician could afford but
little benefit.

'He lies there quiet as a child,' said he, 'never speaking nor moving,
his eyelids half drooped over his eyes, and save that now and then, at
long intervals, he breathes a low, faint sigh, you would scarce believe
he was alive.'

'I will see him,' said the Pere, as he gently opened the door, and stole
noiselessly across the room. A faint streak of light peering between
the drawn window-curtains, fell directly on the youth's face, showing
it pale and emotionless, as Giacomo described it. As the Pere seated
himself by the bedside, he purposely made a slight noise, to attract
the other's attention, but Gerald did not notice him, not even turning
a look toward him. Massoni laid his finger on the pulse, the action
was weak but regular; nothing to denote fever or excitement, only the
evidence of great exhaustion or debility.

'I have come to hear how you have rested,' said the Pere, in an accent
he could render soft as a woman's, 'and to welcome you to Rome.'

A faint, very faint, smile was all the reply to this speech.

'I am aware that you have gone through much suffering and peril,'
continued the Pere, 'but with rest and kind care you will soon be well
again. You are among friends, who are devoted to you.'

A gentle movement of the brows, as if in assent, replied.

'It may be that speaking would distress you; perhaps even my own words
fatigue you. If so I will be satisfied to come and sit silently beside
you, till you are stronger and better.'

'Si--si,' muttered Gerald faintly, and at the same time he essayed to
smile as it were in recognition.

A quick convulsive twitch of impatience passed across the Pere's pale
face, but so rapidly that it seemed a spasm, and the features were the
next moment calm as before; and now Massoni sat silently gazing on
the tranquil lineaments before him. Among the various studies of his
laborious life medicine had not been neglected, and now he addr