"Signora!"
He bent forward and touched her on the shoulder. She started, turned her head, and rose to her feet.
"Gaspare!"
She looked startled. This abrupt recall to the world confused her for a moment.
"Gaspare! What is it? The padrone?"
He took off his cap.
"Signora, do you know how late it is?"
"Has the padrone come back?"
Lucrezia was on her feet, too. The tears were in her eyes.
"Scusi, signora!" said Gaspare.