"For me to do something?" said Uncle Piero, raising his eyes.
"Yes. We must at least try to get her away. You must come and speak a word. You are like a father to her. At such moments as these it is a father's place to speak."
"Let my master alone," Cia grumbled. "He can't do these things. It would just be making him miserable to no purpose."
Now pitying voices and kisses mingled with the groans.
The engineer pressed his clenched fists upon the sofa, and remained motionless for a moment, with bowed head. Then he rose, not without difficulty, and said to the doctor:
"Must I go alone?"
"Do you wish me to be present?"
"Yes."
"Very well. Our efforts may be of no avail. I should not wish to force her, but we must, at least, make an attempt."
The doctor dismissed the women who were still in the alcove-room; then, standing in the doorway, he turned to the engineer and motioned to him to come in.