Then she looked.
The boat was passing under the blessing hand of San Francesco, under
the light of the Saint, which was burning calmly and brightly.
Hermione moved. She bent down to the water, the /acqua benedetta/. She
sprinkled it over the boat and made the sign of the cross. When they
reached the island Artois got out. As she came on shore he said to
her:
"Hermione, I left the--the two children together in the garden. Do you
think--will you go to them for a moment? Or--"
"I will go," she answered.
She was no longer trembling. She followed him up the steps, walking
slowly but firmly. They came to the house door. Gaspare had kept close
behind them. At the door Artois stopped. He felt as if to-night he
ought to go no farther.
Hermione looked at him and passed into the house. Gaspare, seeing that
Artois did not follow her, hesitated, but Artois said to him:
"Go, Gaspare, go with your Padrona."
Then Gaspare went in, down the passage, and out to the terrace.
Hermione was standing there.
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