As he walked home to the hotel his vexation grew.
When he was once more in his room he remembered his remark to Hermione, “We shall have many quiet, happy evenings together this summer, I hope,” and her strange and doubtful reply. And because he felt himself invaded by her doubts he resolved to set out for the island. If he took a boat at once he could be there between six and seven o’clock.
And perhaps he would see the new occupant of the Casa del Mare. Perhaps he would see Peppina.
CHAPTER XVI
“I have come, you see,” said Artois that evening, as he entered Hermione’s room, “to have the first of our quiet, happy evenings, about which you were so doubtful.”
“Was I?”
She smiled at him from her seat between the big windows.
Outside the door he had, almost with a sudden passion, dismissed the vague doubts and apprehensions that beset him. He came with a definite brightness, a strong intimacy, holding out his hands, intent really on forcing Fate to weave her web in accordance with his will.
“We women are full of little fears, even the bravest of us. Chase mine away, Emile.”