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Hichens, Robert Smythe, 1864-1950

"A Spirit in Prison"


"Signore," he said, "I am afraid!"
"You--Gaspare!"
"I am afraid for the Signora. Why should she come here all alone with
the /fattura della morte/? I am afraid for the Signora."
The boat touched the edge of the rock to the right of the palace.
"And where has the Signora gone, Signore? I cannot see her, and I
cannot hear her."
He lifted up his hand. They listened. But they heard only the sucking
murmur of the sea against the rocks perforated with little holes, and
in distant, abandoned chambers of the palace.
"Where has the Signora gone?" Gaspare repeated, in a whisper.
"I will find the Signora," said Artois.
He got up. Gaspare held his arm to assist him to the shore.
"Thank you."
He was on the rocks.
"Gaspare," he said, "wait here. Lie off the shore close by till I come
back."
"Si, Signore."
Artois hesitated, looking at Gaspare.
"I will persuade the Signora to come back with us," he said.
"Si, Signore. You must persuade the poor Signora. The poor Signora is
mad to-night.


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