Gaspare, come with me,
and tell me what we ought to do. But--never say to any one--never say
--if you hear!"
"Signorina!"
He had caught her terror. His huge eyes looked awestruck.
"Come with me, Gaspare!"
Making an obvious and great effort, she controlled her body, turned
and went before him to the house. She walked softly, and he imitated
her. They almost crept up-stairs till they reached the landing outside
Hermione's bedroom door. There they stood for two or three minutes,
listening.
"Come away, Gaspare!"
Vere had whispered with lips that scarcely moved.
When they were in Hermione's sitting-room she caught hold of both his
hands. She was a mere child now, a child craving for help.
"Oh, Gaspare, what are we to do? Oh--I'm--I'm frightened! I can't bear
it!"
The door of the room was open.
"Shut it!" she said. "Shut it, then we sha'n't--"
He shut it.
"What can it be? What can it be?"
She looked at him, followed his eyes. He had stared towards the
writing-table, then at the floor near it.
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