doctor's hand.

"I will go and prepare Signor Leland for the interview," the doctor
answered, and disappeared through the open doorway.

"Good news for you, signor!" they heard him say in a quiet tone.

"Ah! let me hear it," sighed a well-known voice. "'As cold water to a
thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.'"

"You are right, signor, it comes from far-off America. A friend--a young
signor has arrived, and asks to see you."

"Ah! his name?" exclaimed the sick man, with a tremor of gladness in his
feeble tones.

"Here is his card."

"'Edward Travilla!'--ah what joy! Let me see him at once. 'Twill be like a
breath of home air!"

Every word had reached the ears of the two in the studio.

"Go! go!" cried Elsie, scarcely above her breath, and Edward rose and went
softly in.

"Not much talk now, signores," Elsie heard the doctor say.

"No; we'll be prudent," Edward said, grasping Lester's hand.