"Ho, ho! there you go! black faces! You were nearly two when you landed."
"They must have died within a short time of one another," resumed Verona, in a low voice.
"What do you mean, child? Who are you talking about?"
"My father and mother."
"Yes, yes, yes, I have allowed everyone to suppose you were an orphan," continued Madame, staring straight before her in dreamy fashion, "but I have never said so."
"Not an orphan!" repeated the girl, sitting erect, and turning quickly to her companion. "Oh, darling auntie, do tell me—it will make no difference to you—is my mother alive?"
Her voice shook for an imperceptible moment, and her eyes glowed with expectancy.
"Now, what nonsense this is!" cried Madame de Godez peevishly. "What would you give to know?"
Verona suddenly averted her eager face, and made no answer.
The ensuing silence was so unusually prolonged that at last the old lady jerked her head round, and glanced interrogatively at her companion. To her amazement and dismay she saw two great tears stealing down the girl's face.