"I knew it was useless," said the Surgeon angrily. The face was covered, and the stretcher was wheeled away.
An hour later Zio Giacomo, Nino, and Aunt Carlotta came hurrying in, red-eyed and white-faced. It was over. Aunt Carlotta wrung her hands, and the Sister consoled her, and assured her that there had been no suffering.
"I want to see her," said Aunt Carlotta, sobbing.
"No, no," said the Sister. "Don't."
"Don't!" said Giacomo brokenly, the tears streaming down his face. Nino said not a word, but went with one of the young doctors into the large bare room where two stretchers stood, each with a shrouded burden.
"This one," said the doctor, he who had held the mask. Nino saw, gasped, and turned away.
Aunt Carlotta was being led in, supported by the Sister. Nino grasped her hand.
"Come away," he whispered; "come away at once."
Carlotta shook her head, her face buried in her handkerchief. "My sister's child! My sister's only child! I must close her eyes." Nino went out.