Di Leyni who, with a few other faithful ones, was aware of the secret
plots against Benedetto, was amazed. What should he answer? That the
Senator alone was master in his own house? That was, perhaps, the only
answer possible. Di Leyni had ventured, with much circumspection, to
express his fear that a move might prove fatal to the sick man. The
Senator was convinced of the contrary. He believed a change of air would
greatly benefit him. He had not as yet been able to consult the doctor,
but he had no doubt of this. He suggested Sorrento. As di Leyni did
not know what to say, and did not move, the Senator had dismissed him,
begging him to go, in his name, to the Grand Hotel, and see Signora
Dessalle, at whose request he had received Benedetto into his house, and
desire her to arrange matters, for his sister would arrive that same
evening before eleven o'clock.
Then di Leyni had gone in to see Benedetto. Good God! in what a state
he had found him! Without fever, perhaps, but with the appearance of a
dying man.
The young man's eyes were full of tears as he told of it.
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