For a long time they waited. He did not return.
"We had better go in, Vere. You must eat."
"I can't--unless she comes."
"You must try to eat."
He spoke to her as to a child.
"And perhaps--Gaspare may be with her, may be speaking with her. Let
us go in."
They passed into the house, and went to the dining-room. The table was
laid. The lamp was lit. Giulia stood by the sideboard looking anxious
and subdued. She did not even smile when she saw Artois, who was her
favorite.
"Where is Gaspare, Giulia?" said Artois.
"Up-stairs, Signore. He came in and ran up-stairs, and he has not come
down. Ah!"--she raised her hands--"the evil eye has looked upon this
house! When that girl Peppina--"
"Be quiet!" Artois said, sharply.
Giulia's round, black eyes filled with tears, and her mouth opened in
surprise.
He put his hand kindly on her arm.
"Never mind, Giulia mia! But it is foolish to talk like that. There is
no reason why evil should come upon the Casa del Mare.
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