They went out silently and stopped outside to listen and spy.
"Well, then," said the professor, "what are your feelings?"
"Nothing."
"But, then, why are you in bed?"
Don Rocco turned with his face to the wall. The tears were coming back again now. He was unable to speak.
"But in the name of heaven," insisted the professor, "what is it?"
"I am getting over it, I am getting over it," sobbed Don Rocco.
The professor did not know what to do nor what to think. He asked him whether he wanted water, and the old beggar went down at once to get a glassful and gave it to Marin. Don Rocco did not want it in the least, but kept on repeating: "Thanks, thanks, I am getting over it," and drank it obsequiously.
"Well, then?" continued the professor.
"You are right," answered Don Rocco.