‘We never thought she would be taken from us again, and we looked upon her as our own.’
‘What brought your brother back again after so long a silence?’
‘He had had a bad illness in Rome, and he came to Surrentum for change and fresh air to help him to get better.’
‘Why did he not come to see the child, or at least send to learn of her welfare during all those years?’
‘I cannot tell. He said he knew she was in good keeping.’
‘And did not you or your husband ever think proper to communicate with this brother of yours respecting the child he had left in your charge, since he himself was so careless of her?’
‘Not until a few weeks ago, when my husband went to Rome to seek him, but never found a trace of him.’
‘Why did he go, then, at last?’
‘It was when she was asked in marriage,’ said Tibia, with hesitation. ‘My husband thought it was his duty to tell my brother, but he could not find a trace of him.’
‘Then after this your brother arrived at Surrentum of his own accord?’