“Gaspare!”

He saw the two figures start.

“Gaspare!” he repeated, coming up to them.

“Signore! What is it? Has the Signora—”

“I have not heard her. I have not seen her.”

“Then what is it, Signore?”

“Good-evening, Ruffo,” Artois said, looking at the boy.

“Good-evening, Signore.”

Ruffo took off his cap. He was going to put it back on his dark hair, when Artois held his arm.

“Wait a minute, Ruffo!”