Can I?"
Zorzi was touched by the kind words, spoken so quietly and sincerely,
for it was only lately that any one except Marietta had shown him a
little consideration. He had not forgotten how his master had taken
leave of him, and the unexpected friendliness of old Pasquale after his
accident had made a difference in his life; but of all men he had ever
met, Venier was the one whom he had instinctively desired for a friend.
"Have you come over from Venice on purpose to see me?" he asked, in
something like wonder.
"Yes," answered Venier with a smile. "Why are you surprised?"
"Because it is so good of you."
"You have solemnly sworn to do as much for me, and for all the
companions of our society," returned Venier, still smiling. "We are to
help each other under all circumstances, as far as we can, you know. You
are standing, and it must tire you, with those crutches. Shall we sit
down? Tell me quite frankly, is there anything I can do for you?"
"Nothing you could ever do could make me more grateful than I am to you
for coming," answered Zorzi sincerely.
Venier took the crutches from his hands and helped him to sit on the
bench.
"You are very kind," Zorzi said.
Venier sat down beside him and asked him all manner of questions about
his accident, and how it had happened.
Pages:
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273