People in the street
called to people in the house, and the latter shouted in answer, with
that absolute lack of self-consciousness and disregard of the opinions
of others which is the hall-mark of the true Neapolitan. From the
corner came the rumble and the bell notes of the trams going to and
coming from the tunnel that leads to Fuorigrotta. And from every
direction rose the vehement street calls of ambulant venders of the
necessaries of Neapolitan life.
"Ruffo lives here!" said Hermione.
She could hardly believe it. So unsuitable seemed such a dwelling to
that bright-eyed child of the sea, whom she had always seen surrounded
by the wide airs and the waters.
"Si, Signora. They are on the third floor. Shall I take you up?"
Hermione hesitated. Should she go up alone?
"Please show me the way," she said, deciding.
Fabiano preceded her up a dirty stone staircase, dark and full of
noises, till they came to the third floor.
"It is here, Signora!"
He knocked loudly on a door.
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