Perhaps she will come and persuade the
Senator."
The Selvas had often interrupted di Leyni with exclamations of surprise
and indignation. When he had finished his recital, they were speechless
and amazed. The first to break the silence was Signora Maria.
"If Jeanne would only come!" she said softly.
She made an imperceptible sign to her husband, and proposed that they
both go and see if by any chance she had returned and they had not been
informed. While they were crossing the Jardin d'Hiver she said she
thought di Leyni should be told who Jeanne really was. Signora Dessalle
had not yet returned. Giovanni took the young man aside, and spoke to
him in a low tone. Maria, who was watching him, saw him tremble and turn
pale, his eyes dilate; saw him, in his turn, speak, asking something.
Jeanne Dessalle entered hurriedly, smiling.
The porter had given her a note from a doctor. It said:
"I do not expect to be able to come back. This morning he was without
fever. Let us hope the attack may not return."
Jeanne saw at once that there was no question of removing the patient.
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