At this moment Sylvia came hurriedly into the room.
“Is Mary here?” she asked.
“No; she is watching Peppina pack. Where are you going?”
Teresa with a heavy heart tried to speak playfully, and failed.
“Past the cemetery, and down towards the sea.”
“Ah, I never get you to myself nowadays.”
“But you know I love you, don’t you, Teresa?” said the girl anxiously.
“My dear!” cried the marchesa, still with a poor pretence at gaiety. She looked at her grandmother.
“Must you go? Or can you first come to my room for half an hour?” asked Mrs Brodrick in a voice a little tremulous, and with lines showing suddenly in her face.
“Oh, I can’t, granny, I can’t now,” Sylvia returned; “Walter is waiting for me. When I come back I shall have plenty of time. Oh, please!”