“What misfortune?” asked Caterina.
“His sister writes me that he begins to show signs of mental alienation.”
“Oh! poor, poor man!”
“Most unhappy being, victim of blind fate, of cruel destiny. The case is not hopeless, but he has never been quite all there. In addition to this, they are poor, and do not like to confess their poverty.”
“Have you sent money?”
“They would be offended. I wrote to them.”
A shiver ran through the circle. When they separated for the night, Andrea was pensive.
“What is the matter with you?” said Caterina, who was plaiting her hair.
“I am thinking of that unfortunate Galimberti. Let us send him something, anonymously.”
“Yes, let us send!”