Thank God for that!
In that moment the Marchesino was forgiven; and Artois--did he not
perhaps also in that moment forgive himself?
"Oh Monsieur Emile--I thought you wouldn't come!"
There was the open reproach of a child in her voice. She seized his
hand.
"Has Gaspare told you?" She turned her head towards Gaspare.
"Something terrible has happened to Madre. Monsieur Emile, do you know
what it is?"
She was looking at him with an intense scrutiny.
"Gaspare is hiding something from me--"
Gaspare stood there and said nothing.
"--something that perhaps you know."
Gaspare looked at Artois, and Artois felt now that the watch-dog
trusted him. He returned the Sicilian's glance, and Gaspare moved
away, went to the rail of the terrace, and looked down over the sea.
"Do you know? Do you know anything--anything dreadful about Madre that
you have never told me?"
"Vere, don't be frightened."
"Ah, but you haven't been here! You weren't here when--"
"What is it?"
Her terror infected him.
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