He turned once more to Gaspare.
“Did you try the door, Gaspare?”
“Signore, I did. After I had spoken several times and waited a long time, I tried the door softly. It is locked.”
“You see!”
It was Vere speaking, still breathlessly.
“Let me go, Monsieur Emile. We can’t let Madre stay like that, all alone in the dark. She must have food. We can’t stay down here and leave her.”
Artois hesitated. He thought of the stranger at the window, and he felt afraid. But he concealed his fear.
“Perhaps you had better go, Vere,” he said, at length. “But if she does not answer, don’t try the door. Don’t knock. Just speak. You will find the best words.”
“Yes. I’ll try—I’ll try.”
Gaspare opened the door. Giulia was sobbing outside. Her pride and dignity were lacerated by Gaspare’s action.