He noticed that,
even in this moment of the confusion of his will.
"I think we had better leave her for a time," he said, at last.
As he spoke he made an effort, and recovered himself.
"We had better do nothing more. What can we do?"
He was looking at Gaspare.
Gaspare went out into the passage and called down the stairs.
"Giulia! Come up! The Signorina is going to dinner."
His defiant voice sounded startling in the silent house.
"We are to eat!"
"Yes, Vere. I shall stay. Presently our mother may come down. She
feels that she must be alone. We have no right to try to force
ourselves upon her."
"Do you think it is that? Are you telling me the truth? Are you?"
"If she does not come down presently I will go up. Don't be afraid. I
will not leave you till she comes down."
Giulia returned, wiping her eyes. When he saw her Gaspare disappeared.
They knew he had gone to wait outside his Padrona's door.
The dinner passed almost in silence. Artois ate, and made Vere eat.
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