Vere came down the steps and found him there.
“Gaspare!”
He got up instantly when he heard her voice, rubbed his eyes, and yawned.
“I was asleep, Signorina.”
She looked at him intently, and he saw tears in her eyes.
“Gaspare, what is the matter with Madre?”
“Signorina?”
“Oh, what is the matter?” She came a step nearer to him. “Gaspare, I’m frightened! I’m frightened!”
She laid her hand on his arm.
“Why, Signorina? Have you seen the Padrona?”