The bedroom door was still locked, but he spoke to Guido through it, in answer to the rough order to go away which followed his first knock. There was no reply.
"Please let me in," Lamberti said quietly. "I want very much to see you."
Something like a growl came from the room, and presently there was a sound of slippers on the smooth tiles, coming nearer. The key turned and the door was opened a little.
"What is it?" Guido asked, in a voice unlike his own.
"I heard you were ill, and I have come to see you."
Lamberti spoke gently and steadily, but he was shocked by Guido's appearance, as the latter stood before him in his loose silk garments, looking gaunt and wild. There were great rings round his eyes, his face was haggard and drawn, and his cheek-bones were flushed with the fever. He looked much more ill than he really was, so far as his body was concerned.
"Well, come in," he said, after a moment's hesitation.
As soon as Lamberti had entered Guido locked the door again to keep his servant out.
"I suppose you had better be the first to know," he said hoarsely, as he recrossed the room with unsteady steps.
He sat down upon the edge of his bed, supporting himself with his hands on each side, his head a little bent.