The Call of the Blood

He grew more and more uneasy. Presently he drew softly a little nearer.

It was getting late. Night had fallen. He must know the result of the

padrone's interview with Salvatore, and he could not leave the padrona.

Well, then--! He crept nearer and nearer till at last he was close to the

shrine and could see the Madonna smiling. Then he crossed himself and

said, softly: "Signora!"

Hermione did not hear him. She was wrapped in the passion of her prayer.

"Signora!"

He bent forward and touched her on the shoulder. She started, turned her

head, and rose to her feet.

"Gaspare!"

She looked startled. This abrupt recall to the world confused her for a

moment.

"Gaspare! What is it? The padrone?"

He took off his cap.

"Signora, do you know how late it is?"

"Has the padrone come back?"

Lucrezia was on her feet, too. The tears were in her eyes.

"Scusi, signora!" said Gaspare.

Hermione began to look more natural.

"Has the padrone come back and sent you for us?"

"He did not send me, signora. It was getting dark. I thought it best to

come. But I expect he is back. I expect he is waiting for us now."

"You came to guard me?"

She smiled. She liked his watchfulness.

"What's the time?"

She looked at her watch.

"Why, it is nine already! We must hurry. Come, Lucrezia!"

They went quickly down the path.

They did not talk as they went. Gaspare led the way. It was obvious that

he was in great haste. Sometimes he forgot that the padrona was not so

light-footed as he was, and sprang on so swiftly that she called to him

to wait. When at last they came in sight of the arch Hermione and

Lucrezia were panting.

"The padrone will--forgive us--when--he--sees how we have--hurried," said

Hermione, laughing at her own fatigue. "Go on, Gaspare!"

She stood for a moment leaning against the arch.

"And you go quickly, Lucrezia, and get the supper. The padrone--will

be--hungry after his bath."

"Si, signora."

Lucrezia went off to the back of the house. Then Hermione drew a long

breath, recovered herself, and walked to the terrace.

Gaspare met her with flaming eyes.

"The padrone is not here, signora. The padrone has not come back!"

He stood and stared at her.

It was not yet very dark. They stood in a sort of soft obscurity in which

all objects could be seen, not with sharp clearness, but distinctly.