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Hichens, Robert Smythe, 1864-1950

"A Spirit in Prison"

"Now I
live with my mother and my step-father. He--Patrigno--he is
Neapolitan."
There was a movement in the boat. The boy looked round.
"I must go back to the boat, Signorina," he said.
"Oh, must you?" Vere said. "What a pity! But look, they are really
still asleep."
"I must go back, Signorina," he protested.
"You want to sleep, too, perhaps?"
He seized the excuse.
"Si, Signorina. Being under the sea so much--it tires the head and the
eyes. I want to sleep, too."
His face, full of life, denied his words, but Vere only said:
"Here are the cigarettes."
"Grazie, Signorina."
"And I promised you another packet. Well, wait here--just here, d'you
see?--under the bridge, and I'll throw it down, and you must catch
it."
"Si, Signorina."
He took his stand on the spot she pointed out, and she disappeared up
the steps towards the house.
"Madre! Madre!"
Hermione heard Vere's voice calling below a moment later.
"What is it?"
There was a quick step on the stairs, and the girl ran in.


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