close-cropped hair and a short brown beard, and he had kind brown eyes.
Regina came forward a few steps and then stood still, looking at him,
and waiting for him to speak. He was astonished at her beauty, and at
once decided that she had a romantic attachment for Marcello, and
probably knew all about him. He leaned back in his chair, and pointed to
a seat near him.

"Pray sit down," he said. "I wish to have a little talk with you before
you go upstairs to see Marcello."

"How is he?" asked Regina, eagerly. "Is he worse?"

"He is much better. But sit down, if you please. You shall stay with him
as long as you like, or as long as it is good for him. You may come
every day if you wish it."

"Every day?" cried Regina in delight. "They told me that I could only
come on Sunday."

"Yes. That is the rule, my dear child. But I can give you permission to
come every day, and as the poor young man seems to have no friends, it
is very fortunate for him that you can be with him. You will cheer him
and help him to get well."

"Thank you, thank you!" answered the girl fervently, as she sat down.

A great lady of Rome had been to see the Superintendent about a patient
on the previous afternoon; he did not remember that she moved with more
dignity than this peasant girl, or with nearly as much grace. Regina
swept the folds of her short coarse skirt forward and sideways a little,