Hermione again began to walk, but almost directly she saw a wandering
carriage and hailed the driver.
"Carrozza!"
She got in.
"Put me down at the 'Trattoria del Giardinetto.' "
"Si, Signora--but how much are you going to give me? I can't take you
for less than--"
"Anything--five lire--drive on at once."
The man drove on, grinning.
Presently Hermione was walking through the short tunnel that leads to
the path descending between vineyards to the sea. She must take a boat
to the island. She must go back to the island. Where else could she
go? If Vere had not been there she might--but Vere was there. It was
inevitable. She must return to the island.
She stood still in the path, between the high banks.
Her body was demanding not to be forced by the will to go to the
island.
"I must go back to the island."
She walked on very slowly till she could see the shining water over
the sloping, vine-covered land. The sight of the water reminded her
that Gaspare would be waiting for her on the sand below the village.
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