Plot Summary

The story of a certain Alberto Califano who has not visited his friend Bartolomeo Ciaccia for several years. When he meets him, he learns that the man is now at the end of his life. Bartolomeo has a sister, Carolina, who takes care of him and tries to fulfill all his wishes. The sick man makes himself hateful with his behavior, and his friend finds himself having to play different roles to meet the needs of the sick man. In the end, it is Alberto himself who is struck by a confidence that Bartolomeo reveals to him, deceived by his friend's disguise. In fact, he learns that his eldest son was born from his wife's relationship with Bartolomeo.