"There is a certain English nobleman," he added, without a suspicion of the eagerness with which his patient hung on his words, "who is greatly enamoured. At first, Mrs. Wallingford was supposed to be a wife, instead of sister to the gentleman; and his delight may be imagined when the relationship became known."
"Is he a man of wealth and influence?" inquired Paul, trying in vain to keep his voice from trembling.
"He is the owner of that, elegant villa on the Tiber," was the reply; "and I am told is very prominent in the House of Lords."
The sick man groaned aloud; but presently inquired:
"Have you heard whether she favors his suit?"
"I think he would be better pleased if she would exhibit less dignity and self-possession. I hope he will be successful."
"Pedro," said his master, one day, "I am afraid my being here so long, will be a great expense."
"Mr. Wallingford is very rich," was the answer. "Money plenty; poor people coming from morning till night and none sent away hungry."
The listener wondered much at this; and the next time Edward visited him said with some confusion:
"I am here too long. I am an expense to you which I have no means to pay."