Presently she became aware of a boat approaching the island from the
direction of Mergellina. She saw it first when it was a long distance
off, and watched it idly as it drew near. It looked black against the
gold, till it was off the Villa Pantano. But then, or soon after, she
saw that it was white. It was making straight for the island,
propelled by vigorous arms.
Now she thought it looked like one of the island boats. Could Vere
have got up and gone out so early with Gaspare?
She drew back, lifted her face from her hands, and stood straight up
against the curtain of the window. In a moment she heard the sound of
oars in the water, and saw that the boat was from the island, and that
Gaspare was in it alone. He looked up, saw her, and raised his cap,
but with a rather reluctant gesture that scarcely indicated
satisfaction or a happy readiness to greet her. She hesitated, then
called out to him.
"Good-morning, Gaspare."
"Good-morning, Signora."
"How early you are up!"
"And you, too, Signora.
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