Fanfar ran to his assistance.
"Don't trouble yourself about me," cried Sanselme. "Tell me, did I hear you speak the name of Jane?"
"That is certainly the name on this note," answered Fanfar, extending the paper in his hand, which Sanselme snatched from him.
"Yes, it is hers. It is my dau—" He stopped even in his delirium he had strength to conceal his secret. "It is Jane's," he added.
"Then you know this girl?" Fanfar asked, excitedly.
"Do I know her? Was it not she who wished to die? Was it not she whom I rescued?"
"No, calm yourself. You are mistaken. You must try and tell me what I wish to know. Terrible dangers threaten those whom perhaps we both love."
"Is Jane in danger?" asked Sanselme, frantically. "Let me go! I must leave this place at once."
He started from his chair, but his strength failed him, and if Fanfar had not caught him he would have fallen.
"Ah!" he half sobbed, "I might have known it! That wretch Benedetto is always a signal of misfortune to me."