Tears gathered in the man’s eyes.
“Oh, yes, ma’am. ’Es very bad. The doctor says ’e can’t last six months.”
“Ah!” Anne stifled a cry, “Have you been with him long?”
The puckered lips trembled. “Hit’ll be goin’ on seven years, ma’am. H’im sure hi don’t know ’at’ll become of me when ’es gone. Hi’ll feel kinder lost-like.”
Anne looked at him gratefully.
“Hadn’t you better get the doctor now?” she whispered above the lump in her throat.
He shook his head sadly.
“Oh, no, ma’am. There h’ain’t nothin’ ’e could do for ’im. Jest to lay down and be quiet like is what ’e needs, ma’am.”
Anne took the hint meekly. She went up to the two men, and took hold of Vittorio’s arm where he stood leaning over Alexis.
“We must go now, Vittorio. Alexis needs rest. I’m afraid we should never have come!” Her sorrowful eyes met Alexis’ apologetic gaze.