Giuseppe came to fetch Hermione from the mountain. He had a note in his hand and also a message to give. The authorities were already at the cottage; the Pretore of Marechiaro with his Cancelliere, Dr. Marini and the Maresciallo of the Carabinieri.
"They have come already?" Hermione said. "So soon?"
She took the note. It was from Artois.
"There is a boy waiting, signora," said Giuseppe. "Gaspare is with the Signor Pretore."
She opened Emile's note.
"I cannot write anything except this—do you wish me to come?—E."
"Do I wish him to come?" she thought.
She repeated the words mentally several times, while the fisherman stood by her, staring at her with sympathy. Then she went down to the cottage.
Dr. Marini met her on the terrace. He looked embarrassed. He was expecting a terrible scene.
"Signora," he said, "I am very sorry, but—but I am obliged to perform my duty."