He spoke no longer like a servant, but like a master.
Vere’s hands had dropped.
“I am going to send for Monsieur Emile,” she said.
“Va bene, Signorina.”
She went quickly to the writing-table, sat down, hesitated. Her eyes were riveted upon the photograph-frame.
“How could she? How could she?” she said, in a choked voice.
Gaspare took the frame away reverently, and put it against his breast, inside his shirt.
“I can’t go to Don Emilio, Signorina. I cannot leave you.”
“No, Gaspare. Don’t leave me! Don’t leave me!”
She was the terrified child again.