Professor Tomosarchi and Fortini between them, got him, still
insensible, to his carriage, and took him to his home.
"Is it more than a mere fainting fit?" said the lawyer, as they both
were supporting the person of the insensible Marchese. "Could you
not do some thing to restore consciousness? Can that old friar have
spoken the truth?"
"Apoplexy," said the Professor, with a serious and almost scared
look into the other's eyes. "Apoplexy, and no mistake about it.
Don't you hear the stertorous breathing. No, nothing can be
attempted till we get him home. We shall be at the palazzo in a
minute. We shall see; but I doubt--I doubt!"
"You mean that his life is in danger?" asked the lawyer.
"In danger! I have hardly any hope that he will ever return to
consciousness or speak another word again."
"Good God! you don't mean that," cried the lawyer, much shocked.
"Indeed I do; it is possible, but very improbable that be should
rally sufficiently to survive the attack," replied the Professor.
"Perhaps," rejoined the lawyer, gravely and sadly after a few
moments of silence; "perhaps it would be best so. I fear me--I much
fear me, that this can hardly be looked on but as the confirmation
of that old man's declaration."
The Professor looked hard into the lawyer's eyes, as he nodded his
head, without speaking, in grave assent.
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