“How long has your master occupied this room?”
“For some time,” said the girl, lowering her eyes.
“Tell me how long, Chiara,” insisted Maria.
“Since Your Excellency left.”
“Ah!” replied Donna Maria without further observation, letting her head fall on the pillow. Chiara stood waiting for orders.
“Are there any letters for me?” resumed Maria in a feeble voice.
“No, Excellency.”
“Has your master left a note for me?”
“Nothing, Excellency. It seems, though, that he has been awake all the night.”
“Who told you that?”