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Hichens, Robert Smythe, 1864-1950

"A Spirit in Prison"

Her eyes became imperious.
"Gaspare, you are to tell me. I can bear it. You know something about
Madre."
"Signorina--"
"Do you think I'm a coward? I was frightened--I am frightened, but I'm
not really a coward, Gaspare. I can bear it. What is it you know?"
"Signorina, we can't do anything."
"Is it-- Does Monsieur Emile know what it is?"
He did not answer.
Suddenly she got up, went to the door, opened it, and listened. The
horror came into her face again.
"I can't bear it," she said. "I--I shall have to go into the room."
"No, Signorina. You are not to go in."
"If the door isn't locked I must--"
"It is locked."
"You don't know. You can't know."
"I know it is locked, Signorina."
Vere put her hands to her eyes.
"It's too dreadful! I didn't know any one--I have never heard--"
Gaspare went to her and shut the door resolutely.
"You are not to listen, Signorina. You are not to listen."
He spoke no longer like a servant, but like a master.
Vere's hands had dropped.


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