"What is it, Titta?"
"Sir Troilo, my Lord the Duke ordered me to say to you, that he has not been able to sleep...."
"Just my case!..."
"So much the better;—therefore he begs to know whether you would not like to keep him company a little while, and have a little chat ... to cheer each other...."
"Exactly what I should like! Wait till I dress, and I will go with you."
And putting on what garments first came to his hands, he was soon ready. Titta preceded him with a lighted taper, but when they arrived at the Duke's door, drawing aside, and bending low, he said respectfully:
"Walk in, your Excellency!"
Troilo having entered, Titta shut the door, and locked it, putting the key in his pocket; and when the former had entered the next room, he carefully closed that door also, remaining outside.
Troilo on entering the room saw the Duke sitting beside a table near the bed, and, whether it was fancy, or the effect of the fight, he thought he seemed as if grown ten years older since an hour ago. The Duke, without lifting his eyes, said:
"Troilo, sit down."