The lift ascended. As Artois opened the door of his sitting-room he heard a woman’s dress rustle, and Hermione stood before them.
“Vere?” she said.
She laid her hand on his arm.
“Gaspare!”
There was a sound of reproach in her voice. She took her hand away from Artois.
“Gaspare?” she repeated, interrogatively.
“Signora!” he answered, doggedly.
He did not lift his eyes to hers.
“You have lost the Signorina?”
“Si, Signora.”