I touched her forehead again. Its warmth was normal. But my imagination began to be disturbed.
"You see, I do not leave you; I'll stay with you."
I sat down; I waited. My soul was in that state of anxious suspension which accompanies the expectation of an approaching event. I was certain that I should be called. I listened for the slightest sound. From time to time I heard bells ring in the house. I heard the dull roll of a carriage on the snow. I said:
"It is probably the doctor."
Juliana did not utter a word. I waited. An interminable length of time passed. Suddenly I heard a sound of opening doors, a sound of approaching steps. I sprang to my feet. And, at the same instant, Juliana raised herself.
"What is the matter?"
I knew what was the matter, I even knew the precise words that the messenger was going to utter.
Cristina entered. She seemed agitated, but tried to dissimulate it. Without coming near me, but giving me a significant look, she stammered:
"May I say something to signor?"
I left the alcove.