Giovanni tenderly kissed his wife and then they softly left the room.
As soon as they were outside Sant' Ilario's thoughts returned to
Faustina.
"She was certainly not in the drawing-room," he said, "I am quite sure. It was her mother who asked for her and everybody heard the question. I dare not go back without her."
They stopped together in the corridor, looking at each other with grave faces.
"This is very serious," said Corona. "We must search the house. Send the men. I will tell the women. We will meet at the head of the stairs."
Five minutes later, Giovanni returned in pursuit of his wife.
"She has left the house," he said, breathlessly. "The porter saw her go out."
"Good Heavens! Why did he not stop her?" cried Corona.
"Because he is a fool!" answered Sant' Ilario, very pale in his anxiety. "She must have lost her head and gone home. I will tell her mother."
When it was known in the drawing-room that Donna Faustina Montevarchi had left the palace alone and on foot every one was horrorstruck. The princess turned as white as death, though she was usually very red in the face. She was a brave woman, however, and did not waste words.
"I must go home at once," said she. "Please order my carriage and have the gates opened."