She did not see it, for her eyes were roving round the room—a disorderly and comfortless place enough, but garnished with some gems of art; an unfinished picture was on the easel; there were others with their faces to the wall; models, statues in various stages of completion, and the implements of painter and sculptor were scattered here and there; a screen, an old lounge, a few chairs, and a table littered with books, papers, and drawing materials, completed the furniture of the large, dreary apartment.
An open door gave a glimpse into an inner room, from which came a slight sound as of a restless movement, a sigh or groan.
Pointing to the chairs, the physician invited the strangers to be seated.
Edward put his sister in one and took possession of another close at her side.
"How soon can we see Mr. Leland?" he asked, putting his card into the doctor's hand.
"I will go and prepare Signor Leland for the interview," the doctor answered, and disappeared through the open doorway.
"Good news for you, signor!" they heard him say in a quiet tone.
"Ah! let me hear it," sighed a well-known voice. "'As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.'"
"You are right, signor, it comes from far-off America. A friend—a young signor has arrived, and asks to see you."
"Ah! his name?" exclaimed the sick man, with a tremor of gladness in his feeble tones.