"We will think of some way, and as for the rest, you must come back to Florence, and I will see you through with this. My wife says that you may tell your friends you are going to stop with her—she is very sorry for you, and will do all she can to help you."
"Then you told her—she knows?"
"She had guessed already, but you need not worry, she is quite safe—and my child, you must have some woman friend to help you now. Virginia will do all she can."
"The Signora is very good—but oh, I shall feel ashamed to see her again—now!"
"You need not, I assure you, she understands, and is full of sympathy."
Ragna smiled faintly—it was good to hear that, after all, she would not be friendless.
"Do you know when Fru Bjork intends to return to Christiania?"
"She will be going soon now—she has always said she would go home in July, and we are at the end of June."
Ferrati pursed up his lips.
"June—next Wednesday is the first of July—if she keeps to her plan we may win through—but if she postpones her departure—In any case, I shall tell her that your health will not permit of your taking a long journey now. I shall tell her that I am afraid of a growth of some kind, a tumour, and that I wish to keep you under my observation until I can be sure. She has confidence in me, and if she can be persuaded to leave you in my care—"