ached it, did not look like the solid
land on which they had made a home, but like the vague shell of some
substance that had been destroyed, leaving its former abiding-place
untenanted.

As they passed San Francesco Vere glanced at him, and Hermione saw a
faint flush of red go over her face. Directly the boat touched the rock
she stepped ashore, and without waiting for her mother ran up the steps
and disappeared towards the house. Gaspare looked after her, then stared
at his Padrona.

"Is the Signorina ill?" he asked.

"No, Gaspare. But I think she is tired to-day and a little upset. We had
better take no notice of it."

"Va bene, Signora."

He busied himself in making fast the boat, while Hermione followed Vere.

In the afternoon about five, when Hermione was sitting alone in her
room writing some letters, Gaspare appeared with an angry and suspicious
face.

"Signora," he said, "that Signore is here."

"What Signore? The Marchese!"

"Si, Signora."

Gaspare was watching his Padrona's face, and suddenly his own face
changed, lightened, as he saw the look that had come into her eyes.

"I did not know whether you wished to see him--"

"Yes, Gaspare, I will see him. You can let him in. Wait a moment. Where
is the Signorina?"

"Up in her room, Signora."

"You can tell her who is here, and ask her whether she wishes to have
tea in her room or not."

"Si, Signora."

Gaspare went out almost cheerfully. He felt that now he understood what
his Padrona was feeling and what she meant to do. She meant to do in her
way what he wanted to do in his. He ran down the steps to the water with
vivacity, and his eyes were shining as he came to the Marchesino, who
was standing at the edge of the sea looking almost feverishly excited,
but determined.

"The Signora will see you, Signor Marchese."

The words hit the Marchesino like a blow. He stared at Gaspare for a
moment almost stupidly, and hesitated. He felt as if this servant had
told him something else.

"The Signora will see you," repeated Gaspare.

"Va bene," said the Marchesino.

He followed Gaspare slowly up the steps and into the drawing-room. It
was empty. Gaspare placed a chair for the Marchesino. And again the
latter felt as if he had received a blow. He glanced round him and sat
down, while Gaspare went away. For about five minutes he waited.

When he had arrived at the island he had been greatly excited. He had
felt full of an energy that was fever