She went out, and left him standing with Gaspare.
“Signore Marchese, shall I take you to the boat?”
Gaspare’s voice was quite respectful. The Marchesino made no answer, but stepped out into the passage and looked up to the staircase that led to the top floor of the house. He listened. He heard nothing.
“Is the French Signore here?” he said to Gaspare. “Do you hear me? Is he in this house?”
“No, Signore!”
The Marchesino again looked towards the staircase and hesitated. Then he turned and saw Gaspare standing in a watchful attitude, almost like one about to spring.
“Stay here!” he said, loudly, making a violent threatening gesture with his arm.
Gaspare stood where he was with a smile upon his face.
A moment later he heard the splash of oars in the sea, and knew that the Marchesino’s boat was leaving the island.
He drew his lips together like one about to whistle.