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diff --git a/13932-h/13932-h.htm b/13932-h/13932-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9e4eac7 --- /dev/null +++ b/13932-h/13932-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,12479 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Whosoever Shall Offend, by F. Marion Crawford</title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body { margin-left: 20%; + margin-right: 20%; + text-align: justify; } + +h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 {text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: +normal; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em;} + +h1 {font-size: 300%; + margin-top: 0.6em; + margin-bottom: 0.6em; + letter-spacing: 0.12em; + word-spacing: 0.2em; + text-indent: 0em;} +h2 {font-size: 150%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +h3 {font-size: 130%; margin-top: 1em;} +h4 {font-size: 120%;} +h5 {font-size: 110%;} + +p {text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: 0.25em; + margin-bottom: 0.25em; } + +p.letter {text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; } + +hr {width: 80%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + + .toc {margin-left: 10%; font-weight: bold;} + +div.fig { display:block; + margin:0 auto; + text-align:center; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em;} + +a:link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:visited {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:hover {color:red} + + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13932 ***</div> + +<hr /> + +<div class="fig" style="width:100%;"> +<a name='Suddenly'></a> +<img src="images/Illusfront_Suddenly.jpg" width="400" height="580" alt="[Illustration]" /> +<p class="caption">"SUDDENLY HE HEARD AN ITALIAN VOICE VERY NEAR TO HIM, CALLING HIM BY NAME, IN A TONE OF SURPRISE"</p> +</div> + + <h1>WHOSOEVER SHALL OFFEND</h1> + + <h4>BY</h4> + + <h2>F. MARION CRAWFORD</h2> + + <h5>AUTHOR OF <i>SARACINESCA</i>, <i>THE HEART OF ROME</i>, ETC, + ETC.</h5> + + <h4>WITH EIGHT ILLUSTRATIONS</h4> + + <h5>DRAWN IN ROME WITH THE AUTHOR'S SUGGESTIONS</h5> + + <h5>BY</h5> + + <h3>HORACE T. CARPENTER</h3> + + <h5>1905</h5> + + <p class="letter">"<i>Whosoever shall offend one of these little ones + which believe in Me, it were better for him that a mill + stone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned + in the depth of the sea</i>"</p> + + <hr /> + + + <h2>TABLE OF CONTENTS</h2> + + <div class='toc'> + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_I'>CHAPTER I</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_II'>CHAPTER II</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_III'>CHAPTER III</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_IV'>CHAPTER IV</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_V'>CHAPTER V</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_VI'>CHAPTER VI</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_VII'>CHAPTER VII</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_VIII'>CHAPTER VIII</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_IX'>CHAPTER IX</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_X'>CHAPTER X</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XI'>CHAPTER XI</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XII'>CHAPTER XII</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XIII'>CHAPTER XIII</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XIV'>CHAPTER XIV</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XV'>CHAPTER XV</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XVI'>CHAPTER XVI</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XVII'>CHAPTER XVII</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XVIII'>CHAPTER XVIII</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XIX'>CHAPTER XIX</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XX'>CHAPTER XX</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XXI'>CHAPTER XXI</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XXII'>CHAPTER XXII</a></p> + </div> + <hr /> + + <h2>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + + <p><a href='#Suddenly'>"Suddenly he heard an Italian voice very + near to him, calling him by name, in a tone of + surprise"</a></p> + + <p><a href='#Sleeping_Death'>"'I call it the sleeping death,' + answered the Professor"</a></p> + + <p><a href='#Flushed'>"He flushed again, very angry this time, + and he moved away to leave her, without another word"</a></p> + + <p><a href='#Door'>" ... the door was darkened, and the girl + stood there with a large copper 'conca' ..."</a></p> + + <p><a href='#Moved'>"He moved a step towards the bed, and then + another, forcing himself to go on"</a></p> + + <p><a href='#Ercole'>"Ercole left his home after sunset that + evening"</a></p> + + <p><a href='#Regina'>"Regina made a steady effort, lifting + fully half Aurora's weight with her"</a></p> + + <p><a href='#Grief'>"She sat there like a figure of grief + outlined in black against the moonlight on the great + wall"</a></p> + <hr /> + + <h2>WHOSOEVER SHALL OFFEND</h2> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_I'></a>CHAPTER I</h2> + + <p>When the widow of Martino Consalvi married young Corbario, + people shook their heads and said that she was making a great + mistake. Consalvi had been dead a good many years, but as yet + no one had thought it was time to say that his widow was no + longer young and beautiful, as she had always been. Many rich + widows remain young and beautiful as much as a quarter of a + century, or even longer, and the Signora Consalvi was very rich + indeed. As soon as she was married to Folco Corbario every one + knew that she was thirty-five years old and he was barely + twenty-six, and that such a difference of ages on the wrong + side was ridiculous if it was not positively immoral. No + well-regulated young man had a right to marry a rich widow nine + years older than himself, and who had a son only eleven years + younger than he.</p> + + <p>A few philosophers who said that if the widow was satisfied + the matter was nobody's business were treated with the contempt + they deserved. Those who, on the contrary, observed that young + Corbario had married for money and nothing else were heard with + favour, until the man who knew everything pointed out that as + the greater part of the fortune would be handed over to + Marcello when he came of age, six years hence, Corbario had not + made a good bargain and might have done better. It was true + that Marcello Consalvi had inherited a delicate constitution of + body, it had even been hinted that he was consumptive. Corbario + would have done better to wait another year or two to see what + happened, said a cynic, for young people often died of + consumption between fifteen and twenty. The cynic was answered + by a practical woman of the world, who said that Corbario had + six years of luxury and extravagance before him, and that many + men would have sold themselves to the devil for less. After the + six years the deluge might come if it must; it was much + pleasanter to drown in the end than never to have had the + chance of swimming in the big stream at all, and bumping sides + with the really big fish, and feeling oneself as good as any of + them. Besides, Marcello was pale and thin, and had been heard + to cough; he might die before he came of age. The only + objection to this theory was that it was based on a fiction; + for the whole fortune had been left to the Signora by a + childless relation.</p> + + <p>These amiable and interesting views were expressed with + variations by people who knew the three persons concerned, and + with such a keen sense of appropriate time and place as made it + quite sure that none of the three should ever know what was + said of them. The caution of an old fox is rash temerity + compared with the circumspection of a first-rate gossip; and + when the gossips were tired of discussing Folco Corbario and + his wife and her son, they talked about other matters, but they + had a vague suspicion that they had been cheated out of + something. A cat that has clawed all the feathers off a stuffed + canary might feel just what they did.</p> + + <p>For nothing happened. Corbario did not launch into wild + extravagance after all, but behaved himself with the faultless + dulness of a model middle-aged husband. His wife loved him and + was perfectly happy, and happiness finally stole her + superfluous years away, and they evaporated in the sunshine, + and she forgot all about them. Marcello Consalvi, who had lost + his father when he was a mere child, found a friend in his + mother's husband, and became very fond of him, and thought him + a good man to imitate; and in return Corbario made a companion + of the fair-haired boy, and taught him to ride and shoot in his + holidays, and all went well.</p> + + <p>Moreover, Marcello's mother, who was a good woman, told him + that the world was very wicked; and with the blind desire for + her son's lasting innocence, which is the most touching + instinct of loving motherhood, she entreated him to lead a + spotless life. When Marcello, in the excusable curiosity of + budding youth, asked his stepfather what that awful wickedness + was against which he was so often warned, Corbario told him + true stories of men who had betrayed their country and their + friends, and of all sorts of treachery and meanness, to which + misdeeds the boy did not feel himself at all inclined; so that + he wondered why his mother seemed so very anxious lest he + should go astray. Then he repeated to her what Corbario had + told him, and she smiled sweetly and said nothing, and trusted + her husband all the more. She felt that he understood her, and + was doing his best to help her in making Marcello what she + wished him to be.</p> + + <p>The boy was brought up at home; in Rome in the winter, and + in summer on the great estate in the south, which his father + had bought and which was to be a part of his inheritance.</p> + + <p>He was taught by masters who came to the house to give their + lessons and went away as soon as the task was over. He had no + tutor, for his mother had not found a layman whom she could + trust in that capacity, and yet she understood that it was not + good for a boy to be followed everywhere by a priest. Besides, + Corbario gave so much of his time to his stepson that a tutor + was hardly needed; he walked with him and rode with him, or + spent hours with him at home when the weather was bad. There + had never been a cross word between the two since they had met. + It was an ideal existence. Even the gossips stopped talking at + last, and there was not one, not even the most ingeniously + evil-tongued of all, that prophesied evil.</p> + + <p>They raised their eyebrows, and the more primitive among + them shrugged their shoulders a little, and smiled. If + Providence really insisted upon making people so perfect, what + was to be done? It was distressing, but there was nothing to be + said; they must just lead their lives, and the gossips must + bear it. No doubt Corbario had married for money, since he had + nothing in particular and his wife had millions, but if ever a + man had married for money and then behaved like an angel, that + man was Folco Corbario and no other. He was everything to his + wife, and all things to his stepson—husband, father, man + of business, tutor, companion, and nurse; for when either his + wife or Marcello was ill, he rarely left the sick-room, and no + one could smooth a pillow as he could, or hold a glass so + coaxingly to the feverish lips, or read aloud so untiringly in + such a gentle and soothing voice.</p> + + <p>No ascendency of one human being over another is more + complete than that of a full-grown man over a boy of sixteen, + who venerates his elder as an ideal. To find a model, to + believe it perfection, and to copy it energetically, is either + a great piece of good fortune, or a misfortune even greater; in + whatever follows in life, there is the same difference between + such development and the normally slow growth of a boy's mind + as that which lies between enthusiasm and indifference. It is + true that where there has been no enthusiastic belief there can + be no despairing disillusionment when the light goes out; but + it is truer still that hope and happiness are the children of + faith by the ideal.</p> + + <p>A boy's admiration for his hero is not always well founded; + sometimes it is little short of ridiculous, and it is by no + means always harmless. But no one found fault with Marcello for + admiring his stepfather, and the attachment was a source of + constant satisfaction to his mother. In her opinion Corbario + was the handsomest, bravest, cleverest, and best of men, and + after watching him for some time even the disappointed gossips + were obliged to admit, though without superlatives, that he was + a good-looking fellow, a good sportsman, sufficiently well + gifted, and of excellent behaviour. There was the more merit in + the admission, they maintained, because they had been inclined + to doubt the man, and had accused him of marrying out of pure + love of money. A keen judge of men might have thought that his + handsome features were almost too still and too much like a + mask, that his manner was so quiet as to be almost + expressionless, and that the soft intonation of his speech was + almost too monotonous to be natural. But all this was just what + his wife admired, and she encouraged her son to imitate it. His + father had been a man of quick impulses, weak to-day, strong + to-morrow, restless, of uncertain temper, easily enthusiastic + and easily cast down, capable of sudden emotions, and never + able to conceal what he felt if he had cared to do so. Marcello + had inherited his father's character and his mother's face, as + often happens; but his unquiet disposition was tempered as yet + by a certain almost girlish docility, which had clung to him + from childhood as the result of being brought up almost + entirely by the mother he worshipped. And now, for the first + time, comparing him with her second husband, she realised the + boy's girlishness, and wished him to outgrow it. Her own ideal + of what even a young man should be was as unpractical as that + of many thoroughly good and thoroughly unworldly mothers. She + wished her son to be a man at all points, and yet she dreamed + that he might remain a sort of glorified young girl; she + desired him to be well prepared to face the world when he grew + up, and yet it was her dearest wish that he might never know + anything of the world's wickedness. Corbario seemed to + understand her better in this than she understood herself, and + devoted his excellent gifts and his almost superhuman patience + to the task of forming a modern Galahad. Her confidence in her + husband increased month by month, and year by year.</p> + + <p>"I wish to make a new will," she said to her lawyer in the + third year of her marriage. "I shall leave my husband a + life-interest in a part of my fortune, and the reversion of the + whole in case anything should happen to my son."</p> + + <p>The lawyer was a middle-aged man, with hard black eyes. + While he was listening to a client, he had a habit of folding + his arms tightly across his chest and crossing one leg over the + other. When the Signora Corbario had finished speaking he sat + quite still for a moment, and then noiselessly reversed the + crossing of his legs and the folding of his arms, and looked + into her face. It was very gentle, fair, and thoughtful.</p> + + <p>"I presume," answered the lawyer, "that the clause providing + for a reversion is only intended as an expression of your + confidence in your husband?"</p> + + <p>"Affection," answered the Signora, "includes + confidence."</p> + + <p>The lawyer raised one eyebrow almost imperceptibly, and + changed his position a little.</p> + + <p>"Heaven forbid," he said, "that any accident should befall + your son!"</p> + + <p>"Heaven forbid it!" replied the Signora. "He is very + strong," she continued, in the tone people use who are anxious + to convince themselves of something doubtful. "Yet I wish my + husband to know that, after my son, he should have the first + right."</p> + + <p>"Shall you inform him of the nature of your will, Signora?" + inquired the lawyer.</p> + + <p>"I have already informed him of what I mean to do," replied + Signora Corbario.</p> + + <p>Again the lawyer's eyebrow moved a little nervously, but he + said nothing. It was not his place to express any doubt as to + the wisdom of the disposition. He was not an old family + adviser, who might have taken such a liberty. There had been + such a man, indeed, but he was dead. It was the duty of the + rich woman's legal adviser to hinder her from committing any + positive legal mistake, but it was not his place to criticise + her judgment of the man she had chosen to marry. The lawyer + made a few notes without offering any comment, and on the + following day he brought the will for the Signora to sign. By + it, at her death, Marcello, her son, was to inherit her great + fortune. Her husband, Folco Corbario, was constituted + Marcello's sole guardian, and was to enjoy a life-interest in + one-third of the inheritance. If Marcello died, the whole + fortune was to go to Corbario, without any condition or + reservation whatsoever.</p> + + <p>When the will was executed, the Signora told her husband + that she had done what she intended.</p> + + <p>"My dear," said Corbario, gently, "I thank you for the true + meaning of it. But as for the will itself, shall we talk of it + thirty years hence, when Marcello's children's children are at + your knee?"</p> + + <p>He kissed her hand tenderly.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_II'></a>CHAPTER II</h2> + + <p>Marcello stood at an open window listening to the musical + spring rain and watching the changing lights on the city below + him, as the dove-coloured cloud that floated over Rome like + thin gauze was drawn up into the sunshine. Then there were + sudden reflections from distant windows and wet domes, that + blazed like white fires for a little while, till the raindrops + dried and the waves of changing hues that had surged up under + the rain, rising, breaking, falling, and spreading, subsided + into a restful sea of harmonious colour.</p> + + <p>After that, the sweet smell of the wet earth came up to + Marcello's nostrils. A light breeze stirred the dripping + emerald leaves, and the little birds fluttered down and hopped + along the garden walks and over the leaves, picking up the + small unwary worms that had been enjoying a bath while their + enemies tried to keep dry under the ilex boughs.</p> + + <p>Marcello half closed his eyes and drank the fragrant air + with parted lips, his slim white hands resting on the marble + sill. The sunshine made his pale face luminous, and gilded his + short fair hair, casting the shadow of the brown lashes upon + his delicate cheeks. There was something angel-like in his + expression—the look of the frescoed angels of Melozzo da + Forli in the Sacristy of St. Peter's. They are all that is left + of something very beautiful, brought thither broken from the + Church of the Holy Apostles; and so, too, one might have + fancied that Marcello, standing at the window in the morning + sunshine, belonged to a world that had long passed + away—fit for a life that was, fit for a life to come + hereafter, perhaps, but not fit for the life that is. There are + rare and beautiful beings in the world who belong to it so + little that it seems cruelty and injustice to require of them + what is demanded of us all. They are born ages too late, or + ages too soon; they should not have been born now. Their very + existence calls forth our tenderest sympathy, as we should pity + a fawn facing its death among wolves.</p> + + <p>But Marcello Consalvi had no idea that he could deserve + pity, and life looked very bright to him, very easy, and very + peaceful. He could hardly have thought of anything at all + likely to happen which could darken the future, or even give + him reasonable cause for anxiety. There was no imaginative + sadness in his nature, no morbid dread of undefined evil, no + melancholy to dye the days black; for melancholy is more often + an affliction of the very strong in body or mind than of the + weak, or of average men and women. Marcello was delicate, but + not degenerate; he seemed gentle, cheerful, and ready to + believe the world a very good place, as indeed it is for people + who are not too unlike their neighbours to enjoy it, or too + unlucky to get some of its good things, or too weak to work, + fight, and love, or too clever to be as satisfied with + themselves as most men are. For plain, common, everyday + happiness and contentment belong to plain, average people, who + do what others do and have a cheerfully good opinion of + themselves. Can a man make a good fight of it if he does not + believe himself to be about as good as his adversary?</p> + + <p>It had never occurred to Marcello that he might have to + fight for anything, and if some one had told him on that spring + morning that he was on the very verge of a desperate struggle + for existence against overwhelming odds, he would have turned + his bright eyes wonderingly to the prophet of evil, asking + whence danger could come, and trying to think what it might be + like.</p> + + <p>At the first appearance of it he would have been startled + into fear, too, as many a grown man has been before now, when + suddenly brought face to face with an unknown peril, being + quite untried: and small shame to him. He who has been waked + from a peaceful sleep and pleasant dreams to find death at his + throat, for the first time in his life, knows the meaning of + that. Samson was a tried warrior when Delilah first roused him + with her cry, "The Philistines are upon thee!"</p> + + <p>Marcello was no youthful Samson, yet he was not an unmanly + boy, for all his bringing up. So far as his strength would + allow he had been accustomed to the exercises and sports of + men: he could ride fearlessly, if not untiringly; he was a fair + shot; he had hunted wild boar with his stepfather in the marshy + lands by the sea; he had been taught to fence and was not + clumsy with weapons, though he had not yet any great skill. He + had always been told that he was delicate and must be careful, + and he knew that he was not strong; but there was one good sign + in that his weakness irritated him and bred at least the desire + for strength, instead of the poor-spirited indolence that bears + bodily infirmity as something inevitable, and is ready to + accept pity if not to ask for it.</p> + + <p>The smell of the damp earth was gone, and as the sun shone + out the air was filled with the scent of warm roses and the + faintly sweet odour of wistaria. Marcello heard a light + footstep close to him, and met his mother's eyes as he + turned.</p> + + <p>Even to him, she looked very young just then, as she stood + in the light, smiling at him. A piece of lace was drawn half + over her fair hair, and the ends went round her throat like a + scarf and fell behind her. Its creamy tints heightened the rare + transparency of her complexion by faint contrast. She was a + slight woman and very graceful.</p> + + <p>"I have looked for you everywhere," she said, and she still + smiled, as if with real pleasure at having found him.</p> + + <p>"I have been watching the shower" Marcello answered, drawing + her to the window. "And then the earth and the roses smelt so + sweet that I stayed here. Did you want me, mother?"</p> + + <p>"I always like to know where you are."</p> + + <p>She passed her arm through his with a loving pressure, and + looked out of the window with him. The villa stood on the slope + of the Janiculum, close to the Corsini gardens.</p> + + <p>"Do I run after you too much?" the mother asked presently, + as if she knew the answer. "Now that you are growing up, do I + make you feel as if you were still a little boy? You are nearly + nineteen, you know! I suppose I ought to treat you like a + man."</p> + + <p>Marcello laughed, and his hand slipped into hers with an + almost childish and nestling movement.</p> + + <p>"You have made a man of me," he answered.</p> + + <p>Had she? A shadow of doubt crossed her thoughtful face as + she glanced at his. He was so different from other young men of + his age, so delicately nurtured, so very gentle; there was the + radiance of maidenly innocence in his look, and she was afraid + that he might be more like a girl than a man almost grown.</p> + + <p>"I have done my best," she said. "I hope I have done + right."</p> + + <p>He scarcely understood what she meant, and his expression + did not change.</p> + + <p>"You could not do anything that was not right," he + answered.</p> + + <p>Perhaps such a being as Marcello would be an impossibility + anywhere but in Italy. Modern life tears privacy to tatters, + and privacy is the veil of the temple of home, within which + every extreme of human development is possible, good and bad. + Take privacy away and all the strangely compound fractions of + humanity are soon reduced to a common denomination. In Italy + life has more privacy than anywhere else west of Asia. The + Englishman is fond of calling his home his castle, but it is a + thoroughfare, a market-place, a club, a hotel, a glass house, + compared with that of an average Italian. An Englishman goes + home to escape restraint: an Italian goes out. But the northern + man, who lives much in public, learns as a child to conceal + what he feels, to be silent, to wear an indifferent look; + whereas the man of the south, who hides nothing when the doors + of his house are shut, can hide but little when he meets his + enemy in the way. He laughs when he is pleased, and scowls when + he is not, threatens when he is angry, and sheds tears when he + is hurt, with a simplicity that too often excites the contempt + of men accustomed to suffer or enjoy without moving a + muscle.</p> + + <p>Privacy favours the growth of individual types, differing + widely from each other; the destruction of it makes people very + much alike. Marcello's mother asked herself whether she had + done well in rearing him as a being apart from those amongst + whom he must spend his life.</p> + + <p>And yet, as she looked at him, he seemed to be so nearly the + ideal of which she had dreamt throughout long years of loving + care that she was comforted, and the shadow passed away from + her sweet face. He had answered that she could do nothing that + was not right; she prayed that his words might be near the + truth, and in her heart she was willing to believe that they + were almost true. Had she not followed every good impulse of + her own good heart? Had she not tried to realize literally for + him the most beautiful possibilities of the Christian faith? + That, at least, was true, and she could tell herself so without + any mistaken pride. How, then, had she made any mistake? The + boy had the face of a young saint.</p> + + <p>"Are you ready, my dear?" she asked suddenly, as a far-off + clock struck.</p> + + <p>"Yes, mother, quite ready."</p> + + <p>"I am not," she answered with a little laugh. "And Folco is + waiting, and I hear the carriage driving up."</p> + + <p>She slipped from Marcello's side and left the room quickly, + for they were going to drive down to the sea, to a little + shooting-lodge that belonged to them near Nettuno, a mere + cottage among the trees by the Roman shore, habitable only in + April and May, and useful only then, when the quail migrate + along the coast and the malarious fever is not yet to be + feared. It was there that Marcello had first learned to handle + a gun, spending a week at a time there with his stepfather; and + his mother used to come down now and then for a day or two on a + visit, sometimes bringing her friend the Contessa dell' Armi. + The latter had been very unhappy in her youth, and had been + left a widow with one beautiful girl and a rather exiguous + fortune. Some people thought that it was odd that the Signora + Corbario, who was a saint if ever there was one, should have + grown so fond of the Contessa, for the latter had seen stormy + days in years gone by; and of course the ill-disposed gossips + made up their minds that the Contessa was trying to catch + Marcello for her daughter Aurora, though the child was barely + seventeen.</p> + + <p>This was mere gossip, for she was quite incapable of any + such scheme. What the gossips did not know was something which + would have interested them much more, namely, that the Contessa + was the only person in Rome who distrusted Folco Corbario, and + that she was in constant fear lest she should turn out to be + right, and lest her friend's paradise should be suddenly + changed into a purgatory. But she held her tongue, and her + quiet face never betrayed her thoughts. She only watched, and + noted from month to month certain small signs which seemed to + prove her right; and she should be ready, whenever the time + should come, by day or night, to help her friend, or comfort + her, or fight for her.</p> + + <p>If Corbario guessed that the Contessa did not trust him, he + never showed it. He had found her installed as his wife's + friend, and had accepted her, treating her with much courtesy + and a sort of vicarious affection; but though he tried his best + he could not succeed in reaching anything like intimacy with + her, and while she seemed to conceal nothing, he felt that she + was hiding her real self from him. Whether she did so out of + pride, or distrust, or jealousy, he could never be sure. He was + secretly irritated and humiliated by her power to oppose him + and keep him at a distance without ever seeming to do so; but, + on the other hand, he was very patient, very tenacious of his + purpose, and very skilful. He knew something of the Contessa's + past, but he recognised in her the nature that has known the + world's worst side and has done with it for ever, and is lifted + above it, and he knew the immense influence which the spectacle + of a blameless life exercises upon the opinion of a good woman + who has not always been blameless herself. Whatever he had been + before he met his wife, whatever strange plans had been + maturing in his brain since he had married her, his life had + seemed as spotless from that day as the existence of the best + man living. His wife believed in him, and the Contessa did not; + but even she must in time accept the evidence of her senses. + Then she, too, would trust him. Why it was essential that she + should, he alone knew, unless he was merely piqued by her quiet + reserve, as a child is when it cannot fix the attention of a + grown-up person.</p> + + <p>The Contessa and her daughter were to be of the party that + day, and the carriage stopped where they lived, near the Forum + of Trajan. They appeared almost directly, the Contessa in grey + with a grey veil and Aurora dressed in a lighter shade, the + thick plaits of her auburn hair tied up short below her round + straw hat, on the theory that she was still a school-girl, + whose skirt must not quite touch the ground, who ought not to + wear a veil, and whose mind was supposed to be a sensitive + blank, particularly apt to receive bad impressions rather than + good ones. In less than a year she would be dancing all night + with men she had scarcely heard of before, listening to + compliments of which she had never dreamt—of course + not—and to declarations which no right-minded girl one + day under eighteen could under any circumstances be thought to + expect. Such miracles as these are wrought by the eighteenth + birthday.</p> + + <p>Corbario's eyes looked from the mother to the daughter, as + he and Marcello stood on the pavement to let them get in. The + Contessa touched his outstretched hand without restraint but + without cordiality, smiling just as much as was civil, and less + readily than would have been friendly. Aurora glanced at him + and laughed prettily without any apparent reason, which is the + privilege of very young girls, because their minds are supposed + to be a blank. Also because her skirt must not quite touch the + ground, one very perfect black silk ankle was distinctly + visible for a moment as she stepped into the carriage. Note + that from the eve of her eighteenth birthday till she is old + enough to be really wicked no well-regulated young woman shows + her ankles. This also is one of the miracles of time.</p> + + <p>Marcello blushed faintly as he sat down beside Aurora. There + were now five in the big carriage, so that she was between the + two men; and though there was enough room Marcello felt the + slight pressure of her arm against his. His mother saw his + colour change, and looked away and smiled. The idea of marrying + the two in a few years had often crossed her mind, and she was + pleased whenever she saw that Marcello felt a little thrill of + emotion in the girl's presence. As for Aurora, she looked + straight before her, between the heads of the two elder women, + and for a long time after they had started she seemed absorbed + in watching the receding walls of the city and the long + straight road that led back to it. The Contessa and her friend + talked quietly, happy to be together for a whole day. Corbario + now and then looked from one to the other, as if to assure + himself that they were quite comfortable, and his still face + wore an unchanging look of contented calm as his eyes turned + again to the sunlit sweep of the low Campagna. Marcello looked + steadily away from Aurora, happily and yet almost painfully + aware that her arm could not help pressing against his. The + horses' hoofs beat rhythmically on the hard high road, with the + steady, cheerful energy which would tell a blind man that a + team is well fed, fresh from rest, and altogether fit for a + long day's work. The grey-haired coachman sat on his box like + an old dragoon in the saddle; the young groom sat bolt upright + beside him with folded arms, as if he could never tire of + sitting straight. The whole party looked prosperous, + harmonious, healthy, and perfectly happy, as if nothing in the + least unpleasant could possibly happen to them, still less + anything terrible, that could suddenly change all their + lives.</p> + + <p>One of fate's favourite tricks is to make life look + particularly gay and enjoyable, and full of sunshine and + flowers, at the very moment when terror wakes from sleep and + steps out of the shadow to stalk abroad.</p> + + <p>The cottage where the party were going to spend the next few + days together was built like an Indian bungalow, consisting of + a single story surrounded by a broad, covered verandah, and + having a bit of lawn in front. It was sheltered by trees, and + between it and the beach a bank of sand from ten to fifteen + feet high ran along the shore, the work of the southwest gales + during many ages. In many places this bank was covered with + scrub and brushwood on the landward side.</p> + + <p>A little stream meandered down to the sea on the north side + of the cottage, ending in a pool full of tall reeds, amongst + which one could get about in a punt. The seashore itself is + very shelving at that place, and there is a bar about a cable's + length out, over which the sea breaks with a tremendous roar + during westerly storms. Two hundred yards from the cottage, a + large hut had been built for the men-servants and for the + kitchen; near by it there was a rough coach-house and a stable + with room for a dozen horses. The carriage usually went back to + Rome on the day after every one had arrived, and was sent for + when wanted; but there were a number of rough Campagna horses + in the stable, such as are ridden by the cattle herders about + Rome, tough little beasts of fairly good temper and up to a + much heavier weight than might be guessed by a stranger in the + country. In the morning the men of the party usually went + shooting, if the wind was fair, for where quail are concerned + much depends on that. Dinner was in the middle of the day, and + every one was supposed to go to sleep after it. In the late + afternoon the horses were saddled, and the whole party went for + a gallop on the sands, or up to classic Ardea, or across the + half-cultivated country, coming back to supper when it was + dark. A particularly fat and quiet pony was kept for Marcello's + mother, who was no great rider, but the Contessa and Aurora + rode anything that was brought them, as the men did. To tell + the truth, the Campagna horse is rarely vicious, and, even when + only half broken, can be ridden by a lady if she be an average + horsewoman.</p> + + <p>Everything happened as usual. The party reached the cottage + in time for a late luncheon, rested afterwards, and then rode + out. But the Signora Corbario would not go.</p> + + <p>"Your pony looks fatter and quieter than ever," said + Maddalena dell' Armi with a smile. "If you do not ride him, he + will turn into a fixture."</p> + + <p>"He is already a very solid piece of furniture," observed + Folco, looking at the sleek animal.</p> + + <p>"He is very like the square piano I practise on," said + Aurora. "He has such a flat back and such straight thick + legs."</p> + + <p>"More like an organ," put in Marcello, gravely. "He has a + curious, half-musical wheeze when he tries to move, like the + organ in the church at San Domenico, when the bellows begin to + work."</p> + + <p>"It is a shame to make fun of my horse," answered the + Signora, smiling. "But really I am not afraid of him. I have a + little headache from the drive, that is all."</p> + + <p>"Take some phenacetine," said Corbario with concern. "Let me + make you quite comfortable before we start."</p> + + <p>He arranged a long straw chair for her in a sheltered corner + of the verandah, with cushions and a rug and a small table + beside it, on which Marcello placed a couple of new books that + had been brought down. Then Folco went in and got a little + glass bottle of tablets from his wife's travelling-bag and gave + her one. She was subject to headaches and always had the + medicine with her. It was the only remedy she ever carried or + needed, and she had such confidence in it that she felt better + almost as soon as she had swallowed the tablet her husband gave + her.</p> + + <p>"Let me stay and read to you," he said. "Perhaps you would + go to sleep."</p> + + <p>"You are not vain of your reading, my dear," she answered + with a smile. "No, please go with the others."</p> + + <p>Then the Contessa offered to stay, and the good Signora had + to use a good deal of persuasion to make them all understand + that she would much rather be left alone. They mounted and rode + away through the trees towards the beach, whence the sound of + the small waves, breaking gently under the afternoon breeze, + came echoing softly up to the cottage.</p> + + <p>The two young people rode in front, in silence; Corbario and + the Contessa followed at a little distance.</p> + + <p>"How good you are to my wife!" Folco exclaimed presently, as + they emerged upon the sand. "You are like a sister to her!"</p> + + <p>Maddalena glanced at him through her veil. She had small and + classic features, rather hard and proud, and her eyes were of a + dark violet colour, which is very unusual, especially in Italy. + But she came from the north. Corbario could not see her + expression, and she knew it.</p> + + <p>"You are good to her, too," she said presently, being + anxious to be just. "You are very thoughtful and kind."</p> + + <p>Corbario thought it wiser to say nothing, and merely bent + his head a little in acknowledgment of what he instinctively + felt to be an admission on the part of a secret adversary. + Maddalena had never said so much before.</p> + + <p>"If you were not, I should never forgive you," she added, + thinking aloud.</p> + + <p>"I don't think you have quite forgiven me as it is," Folco + answered more lightly.</p> + + <p>"For what?"</p> + + <p>"For marrying your best friend."</p> + + <p>The little speech was well spoken, so utterly without + complaint, or rancour, or suggestion of earnestness, that the + Contessa could only smile.</p> + + <p>"And yet you admit that I am not a bad husband," continued + Folco. "Should you accept me, or, say, my exact counterpart, + for Aurora, in a year or two?"</p> + + <p>"I doubt whether you have any exact counterpart," Maddalena + answered, checking the sharp denial that rose to her lips.</p> + + <p>"Myself, then, just for the sake of argument?"</p> + + <p>"What an absurd question! Do you mind tightening the girth + for me a little? My saddle is slipping."</p> + + <p>She drew rein, and he was obliged to submit to the check. As + he dismounted he glanced at Aurora's graceful figure, a hundred + yards ahead, and for one instant he drew his eyelids together + with a very strange expression. He knew that the Contessa could + not see his face.</p> + + <p>Marcello and Aurora had been companions since they were + children, and just now they were talking familiarly of the + place, which they had not seen since the previous year. All + sorts of details struck them. Here, there was more sand than + usual; there, a large piece of timber had been washed ashore in + the winter gales; at another place there was a new sand-drift + that had quite buried the scrub on the top of the bank; the + keeper of the San Lorenzo tower had painted his shutters brown, + though they had always been green; here was the spot where + Aurora had tumbled off her pony when she was only twelve years + old—so long ago! And here—they looked at each other + and then quickly at the sea, for it was here that Marcello, in + a fit of boyish admiration, had once suddenly kissed her cheek, + telling her that she was perfectly beautiful. Even now, he + blushed when he thought of it, and yet he longed to do it + again, and wondered inwardly what would happen if he did.</p> + + <p>As for Aurora, though she looked at the sea for a moment, + she seemed quite self-possessed. It is a strange thing that if + a boy and a girl are brought up in just the same way, by women, + and without many companions, the boy should generally be by far + the more shy of the two when childhood is just past.</p> + + <p>"You are very fond of your stepfather, are you not?" asked + Aurora, so suddenly that Marcello started a little and + hesitated slightly before he answered.</p> + + <p>"Yes," he said, almost directly, "of course I am! Don't you + like him, too?"</p> + + <p>"I used to," answered Aurora in a low voice, "but now his + eyes frighten me—sometimes. For instance, though he is a + good way behind, I am sure he is looking at me now, just in + that way."</p> + + <p>Marcello turned his head instinctively, and saw that Folco + had just dismounted to tighten the girth of the Contessa's + saddle. It was exactly while Aurora was speaking that he had + drawn his eyelids together with such a strange + expression—a mere coincidence, no doubt, but one that + would have startled the girl if she could have suddenly seen + his face.</p> + + <p>They rode on without waiting for the others, at an even + canter over the sand.</p> + + <p>"I never saw anything in Folco's eyes that could frighten + anybody," Marcello said presently.</p> + + <p>"No," answered Aurora. "Very likely not."</p> + + <p>Marcello had always called Corbario by his first name, and + as he grew up it seemed more and more natural to do so. Folco + was so young, and he looked even younger than he was.</p> + + <p>"It must be your imagination," Marcello said.</p> + + <p>"Women," said Aurora, as if she were as near thirty as any + young woman would acknowledge herself, "women have no + imagination. That is why we have so much sense," she added + thoughtfully.</p> + + <p>Marcello was so completely puzzled by this extraordinary + statement that he could find nothing to say for a few moments. + Then he felt that she had attacked his idol, and that Folco + must be defended.</p> + + <p>"If you could find a single thing, however small, to bring + against him, it would not be so silly to say that his eyes + frighten you."</p> + + <p>"There!" laughed Aurora. "You might as well say that because + at this moment there is only that one little cloud near the + sun, there is no cloud at all!"</p> + + <p>"How ridiculous!" Marcello expressed his contempt of such + girlish reasoning by putting his rough little horse to a + gallop.</p> + + <p>"Men always say that," retorted Aurora, with exasperating + calm. "I'll race you to the tower for the first choice of + oranges at dessert. They are not very good this year, you know, + and you like them."</p> + + <p>"Don't be silly!" Marcello immediately reined his horse back + to a walk, and looked very dignified.</p> + + <p>"It is impossible to please you," observed Aurora, + slackening her pace at once.</p> + + <p>"It is impossible, if you abuse Folco."</p> + + <p>"I am sure I did not mean to abuse him," Aurora answered + meekly. "I never abuse anybody."</p> + + <p>"Women never do, I suppose," retorted Marcello, with a + little snort of dissatisfaction.</p> + + <p>They were little more than children yet, and for pretty + nearly five minutes neither spoke a word, as their horses + walked side by side.</p> + + <p>"The keeper of the tower has more chickens this year," + observed Aurora. "I can see them running about."</p> + + <p>This remark was evidently intended as an overture of + reconciliation. It acted like magic upon Marcello, who hated + quarrelling, and was moreover much more in love with the girl + than he knew. Instinctively he put out his left hand to take + her right. They always made peace by taking hands.</p> + + <p>But Aurora's did not move, and she did not even turn her + head towards him.</p> + + <p>"Take care!" she said quickly, in a low tone. "They are + watching us."</p> + + <p>Marcello looked round and saw that the others were nearer + than he had supposed, and he blushed foolishly.</p> + + <p>"Well, what harm would there be if you gave me your hand?" + he asked. "I only meant—"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I understand," Aurora answered, in the same tone as + before. "And I am glad you like me, Marcello—if you + really do."</p> + + <p>"If I do!" His tone was full of youthful and righteous + indignation.</p> + + <p>"I did not mean to doubt it," she said quickly. "But it is + getting to be different now, you know. We are older, and + somehow everything means more, even the little things."</p> + + <p>"Oh!" ejaculated Marcello. "I begin to see. I suppose," he + added, with what seemed to him reckless brutality, "that if I + kissed you now you would be furious."</p> + + <p>He glanced uneasily at Aurora's face to note the effect of + this terrible speech. The result was not exactly what he had + expected. A faint colour rose in her cheeks, and then she + laughed.</p> + + <p>"When you do," she said, "I would rather it should not be + before people."</p> + + <p>"I shall try to remember that," answered Marcello, + considerably emboldened.</p> + + <p>"Yes, do! It would be so humiliating if I boxed your ears in + the presence of witnesses."</p> + + <p>"You would not dare," laughed Marcello.</p> + + <p>From a distance, as Aurora had guessed, Folco was watching + them while he quietly talked to the Contessa; and as he + watched, he understood what a change had taken place since last + year, when he had seen Marcello and Aurora riding over the same + stretch of sand on the same little horses. He ventured a + reflection, to see what his companion would answer.</p> + + <p>"I daresay many people would say that those two young people + were made for each other."</p> + + <p>Maddalena looked at him inquiringly and then glanced at her + daughter.</p> + + <p>"And what do you say?" she asked, with some curiosity.</p> + + <p>"I say 'no.' And you?"</p> + + <p>"I agree with you. Aurora is like me—like what I was. + Marcello would bore her to death in six months, and Aurora + would drive him quite mad."</p> + + <p>Corbario smiled.</p> + + <p>"I had hoped," he said, "that women with + marriageable-daughters would think Marcello a model husband. + But of course I am prejudiced. I have had a good deal to do + with his bringing up during the last four years."</p> + + <p>"No one can say that you have not done your duty by him," + Maddalena answered. "I wish I could feel that I had done as + well by Aurora—indeed I do!"</p> + + <p>"You have, but you had quite a different nature to deal + with."</p> + + <p>"I should think so! It is my own."</p> + + <p>Corbario heard the little sigh as she turned her head away, + and being a wise man he said nothing in answer. He was not a + Roman, if indeed he were really an Italian at all, but he had + vaguely heard the Contessa's story. She had been married very + young to a parliamentary high-light, who had made much noise in + his day, had spent more than half of her fortune after getting + rid of his own, and had been forgotten on the morrow of his + premature death. It was said that she had loved another man + with all her heart, but Corbario had never known who it + was.</p> + + <p>The sun was almost setting when they turned homeward, and it + was dark when they reached the cottage. They found an + unexpected arrival installed beside the Signora in the doorway + of the sitting-room.</p> + + <p>"Professor Kalmon is here," said the Signora's voice out of + the gloom. "I have asked him to stay till to-morrow."</p> + + <p>The Professor rose up in the shadow and came forward, just + as a servant brought a lamp. He was celebrated as a traveller, + and occupied the chair of comparative physiology in the + University of Milan. He belonged to the modern type of + scientific man, which has replaced the one of fifty years ago, + who lived in a dressing-gown and slippers, smoked a long pipe, + and was always losing his belongings through absence of mind. + The modern professor is very like other human beings in dress + and appearance, and has even been known to pride himself on the + fit of his coat, just like the common people.</p> + + <p>There were mutual greetings, for the Professor knew all the + party, and everybody liked him. He was a big man, with a + well-kept brown beard, a very clear complexion, and bright + brown eyes that looked as if they would never need + spectacles.</p> + + <p>"And where have you been since we last saw you?" asked + Corbario.</p> + + <p>"Are your pockets full of snakes this time?" asked + Aurora.</p> + + <p>The Professor looked at her and smiled, realising that she + was no longer the child she had been when he had seen her last, + and that she was very good to look at. His brown eyes beamed + upon her benevolently.</p> + + <p>"Ah, my dear young lady, I see it is all over," he said. + "You will never pull my beard again and turn my pockets inside + out for specimens when I come back from my walks on the + beach."</p> + + <p>"Do you think I am afraid of you or your specimens?" laughed + Aurora.</p> + + <p>"I have got a terrible thing in my waistcoat pocket," the + Professor answered. "Something you might very well be afraid + of."</p> + + <p>"What is it? It must be very small to be in your waistcoat + pocket."</p> + + <p>"It is a new form of death."</p> + + <p>He beamed on everybody with increasing benevolence; but + somehow nobody smiled, and the Signora Corbario shivered and + drew her light cloak more closely round her, as the first gust + of the night breeze came up from the rustling reeds that grew + in the pool below.</p> + + <p>"It is time to get ready for supper," said Folco. "I hope + you are not hungry, Kalmon, for you will not get anything very + elaborate to eat!"</p> + + <p>"Bread and cheese will do, my dear fellow."</p> + + <p>When Italians go to the country they take nothing of the + city with them. They like the contrast to be complete; they + love the total absence of restraint; they think it delightful + to dine in their shooting-coats and to eat coarse fare. If they + had to dress for dinner it would not be the country at all, nor + if dinner had to begin with soup and end with sweets just as it + does in town. They eat extraordinary messes that would make a + Frenchman turn pale and a German look grave. They make + portentous pasties, rich with everything under the sun; they + eat fat boiled beef, and raw fennel, and green almonds, and + vast quantities of cream cheese, and they drink sour wine like + water; and it all agrees with them perfectly, so that they come + back to the city refreshed and rested after a gastronomic + treatment which would bring any other European to death's + door.</p> + + <p>The table was set out on the verandah that evening, as usual + in spring, and little by little the Professor absorbed the + conversation, for they all asked him questions, few of which + could be answered shortly. He was one of those profoundly + cultivated Italians who are often to be met nowadays, but whose + gifts it is not easy to appreciate except in a certain degree + of intimacy. They are singularly modest men as a rule, and are + by no means those about whom there is the most talk in the + world.</p> + + <p>The party sat in their places when supper was over, with + cloaks and coats thrown over them against the night air, while + Kalmon talked of all sorts of things that seemed to have the + least possible connection with each other, but which somehow + came up quite naturally. He went from the last book on Dante to + a new discovery in chemistry, thence to Japanese monks and + their beliefs, and came back smiling to the latest development + of politics, which led him quite naturally to the newest play, + labour and capital, the German Emperor, and the immortality of + the soul.</p> + + <p>"I believe you know everything!" exclaimed Marcello, with an + admiring look. "Or else I know nothing, which is really more + probable!" The boy laughed.</p> + + <p>"You have not told us about the new form of death yet," said + Aurora, leaning on her elbows and burying her young hands in + her auburn hair as she looked across the table at Kalmon.</p> + + <p>"You will never sleep again if I tell you about it," + answered the Professor, opening his brown eyes very wide and + trying to look terrible, which was quite impossible, because he + had such a kindly face. "You do not look frightened at all," he + added, pretending to be disappointed.</p> + + <p>"Let me see the thing," Aurora said. "Perhaps we shall all + be frightened."</p> + + <p>"It looks very innocent," Kalmon answered. "Here it is."</p> + + <p>He took a small leather case from his pocket, opened it, and + drew out a short blue glass tube, with a screw top. It + contained half a dozen white tablets, apparently just like + those in common use for five-grain doses of quinine.</p> + + <p>A little murmur of disappointment went around the table. The + new form of death looked very commonplace. Corbario was the + only one who showed any interest.</p> + + <p>"May I see?" he asked, holding out his hand to take the + tube.</p> + + <p>Kalmon would not give it to him, but held the tube before + his eyes under the bright light of the lamp.</p> + + <p>"Excuse me," he said, "but I make it a rule never to let it + go out of my hands. You understand, don't you? If it were + passed round, some one might lay it down, it might be + forgotten, somebody might take it for something else."</p> + + <p>"Of course," said Folco, looking intently at the tube, as + though he could understand something about the contents by mere + inspection. "You are quite right. You should take no risks with + such things—especially as they look so innocent!"</p> + + <p>He leaned back in his chair again, as if satisfied, and his + eyes met the Contessa's at the same moment. There was no reason + why she should not have looked at him just then, but he rested + one elbow on the table and shaded his eyes from the light.</p> + + <p>"It is strange to reflect," said Kalmon, looking at the tube + thoughtfully, "that one of those little things would be enough + to put a Hercules out of misery, without leaving the slightest + trace which science could discover."</p> + + <p>Corbario was still shading his eyes from the light.</p> + + <p>"How would one die if one took it?" asked Aurora. "Very + suddenly?"</p> + + <p>"I call it the sleeping death," answered the Professor. "The + poisoned person sinks into a sweet sleep in a few minutes, + smiling as if enjoying the most delightful dreams."</p> + + <p>"And one never wakes up?" inquired Marcello.</p> + + <p>"Never. It is impossible, I believe. I have made experiments + on animals, and have not succeeded in waking them by any known + means."</p> + + <p>"I suppose it congests the brain, like opium," observed + Corbario, quietly.</p> + + <p>"Not at all, not at all!" answered Kalmon, looking + benevolently at the little tube which contained his discovery. + "I tell you it leaves no trace whatever, not even as much as is + left by death from an electric current. And it has no taste, no + smell,—it seems the most innocent stuff in the + world."</p> + + <p>Corbario's hand again lay on the table and he was gazing out + into the night, as if he were curious about the weather. The + moon was just rising, being past the full.</p> + + <p>"Is that all you have of the poison?" he asked in an idle + tone.</p> + + <p>"Oh, no! This is only a small supply which I carry with me + for experiments. I have made enough to send all our + thirty-three millions of Italians to sleep for ever!"</p> + + <p>Kalmon laughed pleasantly.</p> + + <p>"If this could be properly used, civilisation would make a + gigantic stride," he added. "In war, for instance, how + infinitely pleasanter and more æsthetic it would be to + send the enemy to sleep, with the most delightful dreams, never + to wake again, than to tear people to pieces with artillery and + rifle bullets, and to blow up ships with hundreds of poor + devils on board, who are torn limb from limb by the + explosion."</p> + + <p>"The difficulty," observed the Contessa, "would be to induce + the enemy to take your poison quietly. What if the enemy + objected?"</p> + + <p>"I should put it into their water supply," said Kalmon.</p> + + <p>"Poison the water!" cried the Signora Corbario. "How + barbarous!"</p> + + <p>"Much less barbarous than shedding oceans of blood. Only + think—they would all go to sleep. That would be + all."</p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:100%;"> +<a name='Sleeping_Death'></a> +<img src="images/Illus040_Sleeping_Death.jpg" width="608" height="400" alt="[Illustration]" /> +<p class="caption">"'I CALL IT THE SLEEPING DEATH,' ANSWERED THE PROFESSOR"</p> +</div> + + <p>"I thought," said Corbario, almost carelessly, "that there + was no longer any such thing as a poison that left no traces or + signs. Can you not generally detect vegetable poisons by the + mode of death?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," answered the Professor, returning the glass tube to + its case and the latter to his pocket. "But please to remember + that although we can prove to our own satisfaction that some + things really exist, we cannot prove that any imaginable thing + outside our experience cannot possibly exist. Imagine the + wildest impossibility you can think of; you will not induce a + modern man of science to admit the impossibility of it as + absolute. Impossibility is now a merely relative term, my dear + Corbario, and only means great improbability. Now, to + illustrate what I mean, it is altogether improbable that a + devil with horns and hoofs and a fiery tail should suddenly + appear, pick me up out of this delightful circle, and fly away + with me. But you cannot induce me to deny the possibility of + such a thing."</p> + + <p>"I am so glad to hear you say that," said the Signora, who + was a religious woman.</p> + + <p>Kalmon looked at her a moment and then broke into a peal of + laughter that was taken up by the rest, and in which the good + lady joined.</p> + + <p>"You brought it on yourself," she said at last.</p> + + <p>"Yes," Kalmon answered. "I did. From your point of view it + is better to admit the possibility of a mediæval devil + with horns than to have no religion at all. Half a loaf is + better than no bread."</p> + + <p>"Is that stuff of yours animal, vegetable, or mineral?" + asked Corbario as the laughter subsided.</p> + + <p>"I don't know," replied the Professor. "Animal, vegetable, + mineral? Those are antiquated distinctions, like the four + elements of the alchemists."</p> + + <p>"Well—but what is the thing, then?" asked Corbario, + almost impatiently. "What should you call it in scientific + language?"</p> + + <p>Kalmon closed his eyes for a moment, as if to collect his + thoughts.</p> + + <p>"In scientific language," he began, "it is probably H three + C seven, parenthesis, H two C plus C four O five, close + parenthesis, HC three O."</p> + + <p>Corbario laughed carelessly.</p> + + <p>"I am no wiser than before," he said.</p> + + <p>"Nor I," answered the Professor. "Not a bit."</p> + + <p>"It is much simpler to call it 'the sleeping death,' is it + not?" suggested the Contessa.</p> + + <p>"Much simpler, for that is precisely what it is."</p> + + <p>It was growing late, according to country ideas, and the + party rose from the table and began to move about a little + before going to bed. The moon had risen high by this time.</p> + + <p>Marcello and Aurora, unheeded by the rest, went round the + verandah to the other side of the house and stood still a + moment, looking out at the trees and listening to the sounds of + the night. Down by the pool a frog croaked now and then; from a + distance came the plaintive, often repeated cry of a solitary + owlet; the night breeze sighed through the long grass and the + low shrubbery.</p> + + <p>The boy and girl turned to each other, put out their hands + and then their arms, and clasped each other silently, and + kissed. Then they walked demurely back to their elders, without + exchanging a word.</p> + + <p>"We have had to give you the little room at the end of the + cottage," Corbario was saying to Kalmon. "It is the only one + left while the Contessa is here."</p> + + <p>"I should sleep soundly on bare boards to-night," Kalmon + answered. "I have been walking all day."</p> + + <p>Corbario went with him, carrying a candle, and shielding the + flame from the breeze with his hand. The room was furnished + with the barest necessities, like most country rooms in Italy. + There were wooden pegs on which to hang clothes instead of a + wardrobe, an iron bedstead, a deal wash-stand, a small deal + table, a rush-bottomed chair. The room had only one window, + which was also the only door, opening to the floor upon the + verandah.</p> + + <p>"You can bolt the window, if you like," said Corbario when + he had bidden the Professor good-night, "but there are no + thieves about."</p> + + <p>"I always sleep with my windows open," Kalmon answered, "and + I have no valuables."</p> + + <p>"No? Good-night again."</p> + + <p>"Good-night."</p> + + <p>Corbario went out, leaving him the candle, and turned the + corner of the verandah. Then he stood still a long time, + leaning against one of the wooden pillars and looking out. + Perhaps the moonlight falling through the stiff little trees + upon the long grass and shrubbery reminded him of some scene + familiar long ago. He smiled quietly to himself as he stood + there.</p> + + <p>Three hours later he was there again, in almost exactly the + same attitude. He must have been cold, for the night breeze was + stronger, and he wore only his light sleeping clothes and his + feet were bare. He shivered a little from time to time, and his + face looked very white, for the moon was now high in the + heavens and the light fell full upon him. His right hand was + tightly closed, as if it held some small object fast, and he + was listening intently, first to the right, whence he had come, + then to the left, and then he turned his ear towards the trees, + through which the path led away towards the hut where the men + slept. But there was no sound except the sighing of the wind. + The frog by the pool had stopped croaking, and the melancholy + cry of the owlet had ceased.</p> + + <p>Corbario went softly on, trying the floor of the verandah + with his bare feet at each step, lest the boards should creak a + little under his weight. He reached the window door of his own + room, and slipped into the darkness without noise.</p> + + <p>Kalmon cared little for quail-shooting, and as the carriage + was going back to Rome he took advantage of it to reach the + city, and took his departure about nine o'clock in the + morning.</p> + + <p>"By the way, how did you sleep?" asked Corbario as he shook + hands at parting. "I forgot to ask you."</p> + + <p>"Soundly, thank you," answered the Professor.</p> + + <p>And he drove away, waving his felt hat to his hosts.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_III'></a>CHAPTER III</h2> + + <p>Marcello coughed a little as he and Corbario trudged home + through the sand under the hot May sun. It was sultry, though + there were few clouds, and everything that grew looked suddenly + languid; each flower and shrub gave out its own peculiar scent + abundantly, the smell of last year's rotting leaves and twigs + all at once returned and mingled with the odours of green + things and of the earth itself, and the heavy air was over-rich + with it all, and hard to breathe. By and by the clouds would + pile themselves up into vast grey and black fortresses, far + away beyond Rome, between the Alban and the Samnite hills, and + the lightning would dart at them and tear them to pieces in + spite, while the thunder roared out at each home-thrust that it + was well done; and then the spring rain would sweep the + Campagna, by its length and breadth, from the mountains to the + sea, and the world would be refreshed. But now it was near noon + and a heavy weariness lay upon the earth.</p> + + <p>"You are tired," said Corbario, as they reached the shade of + some trees, less than half a mile from the cottage. "Let us sit + down for a while."</p> + + <p>They sat down, where they could see the sea. It was dull and + glassy under the high sun; here and there, far out, the + sluggish currents made dark, irregular streaks.</p> + + <p>Corbario produced cigarettes and offered one to Marcello, + but the boy would not smoke; he said that it made him + cough.</p> + + <p>"I should smoke all the time, if I were quite well," he + said, with a smile.</p> + + <p>"And do many other things that young men do, I daresay," + laughed Corbario. "Ride steeplechases, play cards all night, + and drink champagne at breakfast."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps." Marcello was amused at the picture. "I wonder + whether I ever shall," he added.</p> + + <p>Corbario glanced at him curiously. There was the faintest + accent of longing in the tone, which was quite new.</p> + + <p>"Why not?" Folco asked, still smiling. "It is merely a + question of health, my dear boy. There is no harm in + steeplechases if you do not break your neck, nor in playing + cards if you do not play high, nor in drinking a glass of + champagne now and then—no harm at all, that I can see. + But, of course, so long as your lungs are delicate, you must be + careful."</p> + + <p>"Confound my lungs!" exclaimed Marcello with unusual energy. + "I believe that I am much stronger than any of you think."</p> + + <p>"I am sometimes inclined to believe it too," Corbario + answered encouragingly.</p> + + <p>"And I am quite sure that it would do me good to forget all + about them and live as if there were nothing the matter with + me. Don't you think so yourself?"</p> + + <p>Corbario made a gesture of doubt, as if it were possible + after all.</p> + + <p>"Of course I don't mean dissipation," Marcello went on to + say, suddenly assuming the manner of an elderly censor of + morals, simply because he did not know what he was talking + about. "I don't mean reckless dissipation."</p> + + <p>"Of course not," Folco answered gravely. "You see, there are + two sorts of dissipation. You must not forget that. The one + kind means dissipating your fortune and your health; the other + merely means dissipating melancholy, getting rid of care now + and then, and of everything that bores one. That is the + harmless sort."</p> + + <p>"What they call 'harmless excitement'—yes, that is + what I should like sometimes. There are days when I feel that I + must have it. It is as if the blood went to my head, and my + nerves are all on edge, and I wish something would happen, I + don't know what, but something, something!"</p> + + <p>"I know exactly what you mean, my dear boy," said Corbario + in a tone of sympathy. "You see I am not very old myself, after + all—barely thirty—not quite, in fact. I could call + myself twenty-nine if it were not so much more respectable to + be older."</p> + + <p>"Yes. But do you mean to say that you feel just what I do + now and then?" Marcello asked the question in considerable + surprise. "Do you really know that sensation? That burning + restlessness—that something like what the earth must feel + before a thunderstorm—like the air at this moment?"</p> + + <p>Not a muscle of Folco's still face moved.</p> + + <p>"Yes," he answered quietly. "I know it very well. It is + nothing but the sudden wish for a little harmless excitement, + nothing else in the world, my dear boy, and it is certainly + nothing to be ashamed of. It does not follow that it is at all + convenient to yield to it, but we feel it because we lead such + a very quiet life."</p> + + <p>"But surely, we are perfectly happy," observed Marcello.</p> + + <p>"Perfectly, absolutely happy. I do not believe that there + are any happier people in the world than we three, your mother, + you, and I. We have not a wish unfulfilled."</p> + + <p>"No, except that one, when it comes."</p> + + <p>"And that does not count in my case," answered Folco. "You + see I have had a good deal of—'harmless excitement' in my + life, and I know just what it is like, and that it is quite + possible to be perfectly happy without it. In fact, I am. But + you have never had any at all, and it is as absurd to suppose + that young birds will not try to fly as that young men will not + want amusement, now and then."</p> + + <p>"I suppose that women cannot always understand that," said + Marcello, after a moment.</p> + + <p>"Women," replied Folco, unmoved, "do not always distinguish + quite closely between excitement that is harmless for a man and + excitement which is not. To tell the truth," he added, with a + laugh, "they hardly ever distinguish at all, and it is quite + useless to talk to them about it."</p> + + <p>"But surely, there are exceptions?"</p> + + <p>"Not many. That is the reason why there is a sort of + freemasonry among men of the world, a kind of tacit agreement + that women need not be told what goes on at the clubs, and at + men's dinners, and late at night when old friends have spent an + evening together. Not that there is any harm in it all; but + women would not understand. They have their innocent little + mysteries which they keep from us, and we have harmless little + secrets which we do not let them know."</p> + + <p>Folco laughed softly at his own way of putting it, and + perhaps because Marcello so easily accepted his point of + view.</p> + + <p>"I see," said the boy. "I wonder whether my mother would not + understand that. It seems so simple!"</p> + + <p>"She will, when the time comes, no doubt," answered + Corbario. "Your mother is a great exception, my dear boy. On + the other hand, she is so anxious about your health just now, + that, if I were you, I would not say anything about feeling the + want of a little excitement. Of course your life is monotonous. + I know it. But there is nothing more monotonous than getting + well, is there? The best part of it is the looking forward to + what one will do when one is quite strong. You and I can talk + of that, sometimes, and build castles in the air; but it is of + no use to give your mother the idea that you are beating your + wings against the bars of your cage, is it?"</p> + + <p>Folco was quite lyric that day, but the words made exactly + the impression he wished.</p> + + <p>"You are right," Marcello said. "You always are. There is + nobody like you, Folco. You are an elder brother to me, and yet + you don't preach. I often tell my mother so."</p> + + <p>This was true, and what Marcello told her added to her + happiness, if anything could do that, and she encouraged the + two to go off together as much as possible. She even suggested + that they should go down to San Domenico for a fortnight, to + look after the great Calabrian estate.</p> + + <p>They rose and began to walk toward the cottage. The shooting + had been good that morning, as quail-shooting goes, and the man + who acted as keeper, loader, gardener, and general factotum, + and who went out with any one who wanted to shoot, had gone on + to the cottage with the bag, the two guns, and the animal which + he called his dog. The man's name was Ercole, that is to say, + Hercules; and though he was not a giant, he certainly bore a + closer resemblance to the hero than his dog did to dogs in + general.</p> + + <p>"He was born in my house," Ercole said, when any one asked + questions. "Find a better one if you can. His name? I call him + Nino, short for John, because he barks so well at night. You + don't understand? It is the 'voice of one crying in the + wilderness.' Did you never go to Sunday school? Or do you call + this place a garden, a park, a public promenade? I call it a + desert. There are not even cats."</p> + + <p>When an Italian countryman says of a place that even cats + will not stay in it, he considers that he has evoked a picture + of ultimate desolation that cannot be surpassed. It had always + been Ercole's dream to live in the city, though he did not look + like a man naturally intended for town life. He was short and + skinny, though he was as wiry as a monkey; his face was + slightly pitted with the smallpox, and the malaria of many + summers had left him with a complexion of the colour of cheap + leather; he had eyes like a hawk, matted black hair, and jagged + white teeth. He and his fustian clothes smelt of earth, burnt + gunpowder, goat's cheese, garlic, and bad tobacco. He was no + great talker, but his language was picturesque and to the + point; and he feared neither man nor beast, neither tramp nor + horned cattle, nor yet wild boar. He was no respecter of + persons at all. The land where the cottage was had belonged to + a great Roman family, now ruined, and when, the land had been + sold, he had apparently been part of the bargain, and had come + into the possession of the Signora Corbario with it. In his + lonely conversations with Nino, he had expressed his opinion of + each member of the family with frankness.</p> + + <p>"You are a good dog, Nino," he would say. "You are the + consolation of my soul. But you do not understand these things. + Corbario is an assassin. Money, money, money! That is all he + thinks of from morning till night. I know it, because he never + speaks of it, and yet he never gives away anything. It is all + for himself, the Signora's millions, the boy's millions, + everything. When I look at his face, a chill seizes me, and I + tremble as when I have the fever. You never had the malaria + fever, Nino. Dogs don't have it, do they?"</p> + + <p>At the question Nino turned his monstrous head to one side + and looked along his muzzle at his master. If he had possessed + a tail he would have wagged it, or thumped the hard ground with + it a few times; but he had none. He had probably lost it in + some wild battle of his stormy youth, fought almost to death + against the huge Campagna sheep-dogs; or perhaps a wolf had got + it, or perhaps he had never had a tail at all. Ercole had + probably forgotten, and it did not really matter much.</p> + + <p>"Corbario is an assassin," he said. "Remember that, Nino. As + for his poor lady, she is a little lacking, or she would never + have married him. But she is a saint, and what do saints want + with cleverness? They go to paradise. Does that need much + sense? We should all go if we could. Why do you cock your head + on one side and look at me like a Christian? Are you trying to + make me think you have a soul? You are made of nothing but corn + meal and water, and a little wool, poor beast! But you have + more sense than the Signora, and you are not an assassin, like + her husband."</p> + + <p>At this, Nino threw himself upon his back with his four legs + in the air and squirmed with sheer delight, showing his jagged + teeth and the roof of a very terrible mouth, and emitting a + series of wolfish snorts; after which he suddenly rolled over + upon his feet again, shook himself till his shaggy coat + bristled all over his body, walked sedately to the open door of + the hut, and sat down to look at the weather.</p> + + <p>"He is almost a Christian," Ercole remarked under his + breath, as if he were afraid the dog might hear the compliment + and grow too vain.</p> + + <p>For Ercole was a reticent man, and though he told Nino what + he thought about people, he never told any one else. Marcello + was the only person to whom he ever showed any inclination to + attach himself. He regarded even the Contessa with suspicion, + perhaps merely because she was a woman; and as for Aurora, + girls did not count at all in his cosmogony.</p> + + <p>"God made all the other animals before making women," he + observed contemptuously one day, when he had gone out alone + with Marcello.</p> + + <p>"I like them," laughed the boy.</p> + + <p>"So did Adam," retorted Ercole, "and you see what came of + it."</p> + + <p>No answer to this argument occurred to Marcello just then, + so he said nothing; and he thought of Aurora, and his mother, + and the sad-eyed Contessa, and wondered vaguely whether they + were very unlike other women, as Ercole implied.</p> + + <p>"When you know women," the man vouchsafed to add presently, + "you will wish you were dead. The Lord sent them into the world + for an affliction and for the punishment of our sins."</p> + + <p>"You were never married, were you?" asked Marcello, still + smiling.</p> + + <p>Ercole stopped short in the sand, amongst the sea-thistles + that grew there, and Nino trotted up and looked at him, to be + ready if anything happened. Marcello knew the man's queer ways, + and waited for him to speak.</p> + + <p>"Married?" he snorted. "Married? You have said it!"</p> + + <p>This seemed enigmatical, but Marcello understood the words + to convey an affirmation.</p> + + <p>"Well?" he asked, expecting more.</p> + + <p>"Well? Well, what?" growled Ercole. "This is a bad world. A + man falls in love with a pretty little caterpillar; he wakes up + and finds himself married to a butterfly. Oh, this is a very + bad world!"</p> + + <p>Marcello was struck by the simile, but he reflected that + Aurora looked much more like a butterfly than a caterpillar, a + fact which, if it meant anything, should signify that he knew + the worst beforehand. Ercole declined to enter into any account + of his conjugal experiences, and merely shrugged his shoulders + and went on through the sand.</p> + + <p>With such fitting and warning as this to keep him out of + trouble, Marcello was to face life: with his saintly mother's + timid allusions to its wickedness, with Corbario's tempting + suggestions of harmless dissipation, with an unlettered + peasant's sour reflections on the world in general and women in + particular.</p> + + <p>In the other scale of the balance fate set his delicate and + high-strung nature, his burning desire for the great unknown + something, the stinging impatience of bodily weakness, and the + large element of recklessness he inherited from his father, + besides a fine admixture of latent boyish vanity for women to + play upon, and all the ordinary weaknesses of human nature in + about the same proportion as every one has them.</p> + + <p>Given a large fortune and ordinary liberty, it might be + foreseen that the boy would not reach the haven of maturity + without meeting a storm, even if the outward circumstances of + chance were all in his favour, even if no one had an interest + in ruining him, even if Folco Corbario did not want all for + himself, as poor Ercole told his dog that he did in the + solitude of his hut.</p> + + <p>Marcello had a bad chance at the start, and Maddalena dell' + Armi, who knew the world well in all its moods, and had + suffered by it and sinned for it, and had shed many tears in + secret before becoming what she was now, foresaw danger, and + hoped that her daughter's fate might not be bound up with that + of her friend's son, much as she herself liked the + gentle-hearted boy. She wondered how long any one would call + him gentle after he got his first taste of pleasure and + pain.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_IV'></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> + + <p>It was very early morning, and there was no shooting, for a + southwesterly gale had been blowing all night, and the birds + passed far inland. All along the beach, for twenty-five miles + in an unbroken line, the surf thundered in, with a double roar, + breaking on the bar, then gathering strength again, rising grey + and curling green and crashing down upon the sand. Then the + water opened out in vast sheets of crawling foam that ran up to + the very foot of the bank where the scrub began to grow, and + ran regretfully back again, tracing myriads of tiny channels + where the sand was loose; but just as it had almost subsided, + another wave curled and uncurled itself, and trembled a moment, + and flung its whole volume forwards through a cloud of + unresisting spray.</p> + + <p>It had rained a little, too, and it would rain again. The + sky was of an even leaden grey, and as the sun rose unseen, a + wicked glare came into it, as if the lead were melting; and the + wind howled unceasingly, the soft, wet, southwest wind of the + great spring storms.</p> + + <p>Less than a mile from the shore a small brigantine, stripped + to a lower topsail, storm-jib, and balance-reefed mainsail, was + trying to claw off shore. She had small chance, unless the gale + shifted or moderated, for she evidently could not carry enough + sail to make any way against the huge sea, and to heave to + would be sure destruction within two hours.</p> + + <p>The scrub and brushwood were dripping with raindrops, and + the salt spray was blown up the bank with the loose sand. + Everything was wet, grey, and dreary, as only the Roman shore + can be at such times, with that unnatural dreariness of the + south which comes down on nature suddenly like a bad dream, and + is a thousand times more oppressive than the stern desolation + of any northern sea-coast.</p> + + <p>Marcello and Aurora watched the storm from a break in the + bank which made a little lee. The girl was wrapped in a grey + military cloak, of which she had drawn the hood over her loose + hair. Her delicate nostrils dilated with pleasure to breathe + the salt wind, and her eyelids drooped as she watched the poor + little vessel in the distance.</p> + + <p>"You like it, don't you?" asked Marcello, as he looked at + her.</p> + + <p>"I love it!" she answered enthusiastically. "And I may never + see it all again," she added after a little pause.</p> + + <p>"Never?" Marcello started a little. "Are you going + away?"</p> + + <p>"We are going to Rome to-day. But that is not what I mean. + We have always come down every year for ever so long. How long + is it, Marcello? We were quite small the first time."</p> + + <p>"It must be five years. Four or five—ever since my + mother bought the land here."</p> + + <p>"We were mere children," said Aurora, with the dignity of a + grown person. "That is all over."</p> + + <p>"I wish it were not!" Marcello sighed.</p> + + <p>"How silly you are!" observed Aurora, throwing back her + beautiful head. "But then, I am sure I am much more grown up + than you are, though you are nineteen, and I am not quite + eighteen."</p> + + <p>"You are seventeen," said Marcello firmly.</p> + + <p>"I shall be eighteen on my next birthday!" retorted Aurora + with warmth. "Then we shall see who is the more grown up. I + shall be in society, and you—why, you will not even be + out of the University."</p> + + <p>She said this with the contempt which Marcello's extreme + youth deserved.</p> + + <p>"I am not going to the University."</p> + + <p>"Then you will be a boy all your life. I always tell you so. + Unless you do what other people do, you will never grow up at + all. You ought to be among men by this time, instead of + everlastingly at home, clinging to your mother's skirts!"</p> + + <p>A bright flush rose in Marcello's cheeks. He felt that he + wanted to box her ears, and for an instant he wished himself + small again that he might do it, though he remembered what a + terrible fighter Aurora had been when she was a little girl, + and had preserved a vivid recollection of her well-aimed + slaps.</p> + + <p>"Don't talk about my mother in that way," he said + angrily.</p> + + <p>"I'm not talking of her at all. She is a saint, and I love + her very much. But that is no reason why you should always be + with her, as if you were a girl! I don't suppose you mean to + begin life as a saint yourself, do you? You are rather young + for that, you know."</p> + + <p>"No," Marcello answered, feeling that he was not saying just + the right thing, but not knowing what to say. "And I am sure my + mother does not expect it of me, either," he added. "But that + is no reason why you should be so disagreeable."</p> + + <p>He felt that he had been weak, and that he ought to say + something sharp. He knew very well that his mother believed it + quite possible for a boy to develop into saintship without + passing through the intermediate state of sinning manhood; and + though his nature told him that he was not of the temper that + attains sanctity all at once, he felt that he owed to his + mother's hopes for him a sort of loyalty in which Aurora had + made him fail. The reasonings of innocent sentiment are more + tortuous than the wiles of the devil himself, and have amazing + power to torment the unfledged conscience of a boy brought up + like Marcello.</p> + + <p>Aurora's way of thinking was much more direct.</p> + + <p>"If you think I am disagreeable, you can go away," she said, + with a scornful laugh.</p> + + <p>"Thank you. You are very kind." He tried to speak + sarcastically, but it was a decided failure.</p> + + <p>To his surprise, Aurora turned and looked at him very + quietly.</p> + + <p>"I wonder whether I shall like you, when you are a man," she + said in a tone of profound reflection. "I am rather ashamed of + liking you now, because you are such a baby."</p> + + <p>He flushed again, very angry this time, and he moved away to + leave her, without another word.</p> + + <p>She turned her face to the storm and took no notice of him. + She thought that he would come back, but there was just the + least doubt about it, which introduced an element of chance and + was perfectly delightful while it lasted. Was there ever a + woman, since the world began, who did not know that sensation, + either by experience or by wishing she might try it? What + pleasure would there be in angling if the fish did not try to + get off the hook, but stupidly swallowed it, fly and all? It + might as well crawl out of the stream at once and lay itself + meekly down in the basket.</p> + + <p>And Marcello came back, before he had taken four steps.</p> + + <p>"Is that what you meant when you said that you might never + come here again?" he asked, and there was something rough in + his tone that pleased her.</p> + + <p>"No," she answered, as if nothing had happened. "Mamma + talked to me a long time last night."</p> + + <p>"What did she say?"</p> + + <p>"Do you want to know?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"There is no reason why I should not tell you. She says that + we must not come here after I go into society, because people + will think that she is trying to marry me to you."</p> + + <p>She looked at him boldly for a moment, and then turned her + eyes to the sea.</p> + + <p>"Why should she care what people think?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Because it would prevent me from marrying any one else," + answered Aurora, with the awful cynicism of youth. "If every + one thought I was engaged to you, or going to be, no other man + could ask for me. It's simple enough, I'm sure!"</p> + + <p>"And you wish other men to ask you to marry them, I + suppose?"</p> + + <p>Marcello was a little pale, but he tried to throw all the + contempt he could command into his tone. Aurora smiled + sweetly.</p> + + <p>"Naturally," she said. "I'm only a woman."</p> + + <p>"Which means that I'm a fool to care for you!"</p> + + <p>"You are, if you think I'm not worth caring for." The girl + laughed.</p> + + <p>This was so very hard to understand that Marcello knit his + smooth young brow and looked very angry, but could find nothing + to say on the spur of the moment. All women are born with the + power to put a man into such a position that he must either + contradict himself, hold his tongue, or fly into a senseless + rage. They do this so easily, that even after the experience of + a life-time we never suspect the trap until they pull the + string and we are caught. Then, if we contradict ourselves, + woman utters an inhuman cry of triumph and jeers at our + unstable purpose; if we lose our tempers instead, she bursts + into tears and calls us brutes; and finally, if we say nothing, + she declares, with a show of reason, that we have nothing to + say.</p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:100%;"> +<a name='Flushed'></a> +<img src="images/Illus063_Flushed.jpg" width="400" height="557" alt="[Illustration]" /> +<p class="caption">"HE FLUSHED AGAIN, VERY ANGRY THIS TIME, AND HE MOVED AWAY + TO LEAVE HER, WITHOUT ANOTHER WORD."</p> +</div> + + <p>Marcello lost his temper.</p> + + <p>"You are quite right," he said angrily. "You are not worth + caring for. You are a mere child, and you are a miserable + little flirt already, and you will be a detestable woman when + you grow up! You will lead men on, and play with them, and then + laugh at them. But you shall not laugh at me again. You shall + not have that satisfaction! You shall wish me back, but I will + not come, not if you break your silly little heart!"</p> + + <p>With this terrific threat the boy strode away, leaving her + to watch the storm alone in the lee of the sandbank. Aurora + knew that he really meant to go this time, and at first she was + rather glad of it, since he was in such a very bad temper. She + felt that he had insulted her, and if he had stayed any longer + she would doubtless have called him a brute, that being the + woman's retort under the circumstances. She had not the + slightest doubt of being quite reconciled with him before + luncheon, of course, but in her heart she wished that she had + not made him angry. It had been very pleasant to watch the + storm together, and when they had come to the place, she had + felt a strong presentiment that he would kiss her, and that the + contrast between the kiss and the howling gale would be very + delightful.</p> + + <p>The presentiment had certainly not come true, and now that + Marcello was gone it was not very amusing to feel the spray and + the sand on her face, or to watch the tumbling breakers and + listen to the wind. Besides, she had been there some time, and + she had not even had her little breakfast of coffee and rolls + before coming down to the shore. She suddenly felt hungry and + cold and absurdly inclined to cry, and she became aware that + the sand had got into her russet shoes, and that it would be + very uncomfortable to sit down in such a place to take them off + and shake it out; and that, altogether, misfortunes never come + singly.</p> + + <p>After standing still three or four minutes longer, she + turned away with a discontented look in her face, all rosy with + the wind and spray. She started as she saw Corbario standing + before her, for she had not heard his footsteps in the gale. He + wore his shooting-coat and heavy leathern gaiters, but he had + no gun. She thought he looked pale, and that there was a shade + of anxiety in his usually expressionless face.</p> + + <p>"We wondered where you were," he said. "There is coffee in + the verandah, and your mother is out already."</p> + + <p>"I came down to look at the storm," Aurora answered. "I + forgot all about breakfast."</p> + + <p>They made a few steps in the direction of the cottage. + Aurora felt that Corbario was looking sideways at her as they + walked.</p> + + <p>"Have you seen Marcello?" he asked presently.</p> + + <p>"Did you not meet him?" Aurora was surprised. "It is not + five minutes since he left me."</p> + + <p>"No. I did not meet him."</p> + + <p>"That is strange."</p> + + <p>They went on in silence for a few moments.</p> + + <p>"I cannot understand why you did not meet Marcello," Aurora + said suddenly, as if she had thought it over. "Did you come + this way?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps he got back before you started. He walks very + fast."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps," Corbario said, "but I did not see him. I came to + look for you both."</p> + + <p>"Expecting to find us together, of course!" Aurora threw up + her head a little disdainfully, for Marcello had offended + her.</p> + + <p>"He is generally somewhere near you, poor boy," answered + Corbario in a tone of pity.</p> + + <p>"Why do you say 'poor boy' in that tone? Do you think he is + so much to be pitied?"</p> + + <p>"A little, certainly." Corbario smiled.</p> + + <p>"I don't see why."</p> + + <p>"Women never do, when a man is in love!"</p> + + <p>"Women"—the flattery was subtle and Aurora's face + cleared. Corbario was a man of the world, without doubt, and he + had called her a woman, in a most natural way, as if she had + been at least twenty years old. It did not occur to her to ask + herself whether Folco had any object in wishing to please her + just then, but she knew well enough that he did wish to do so. + Even a girl's instinct is unerring in that; and Corbario + further pleased her by not pursuing the subject, for what he + had said seemed all the more spontaneous because it led to + nothing.</p> + + <p>"If Marcello is not in the cottage," he observed, as they + came near, "he must have gone off for a walk after he left you. + Did you not see which way he turned?"</p> + + <p>"How could I from the place where I stood?" asked Aurora in + reply. "As soon as he had turned behind the bank it was + impossible to say which way he had gone."</p> + + <p>"Of course," assented Folco. "I understand that."</p> + + <p>Marcello had not come home, and Aurora was sorry that she + had teased him into a temper and had then allowed him to go + away. It was not good for him, delicate as he was, to go for a + long walk in such weather without any breakfast, and she felt + distinctly contrite as she ate her roll in silence and drank + her coffee, on the sheltered side of the cottage, under the + verandah. The Signora Corbario had not appeared yet, but the + Contessa was already out. As a rule the Signora preferred to + have her coffee in her room, as if she were in town. For some + time no one spoke.</p> + + <p>"Had we not better send Ercole to find Marcello?" the + Contessa asked at last.</p> + + <p>"I had to send Ercole to Porto d'Anzio this morning," + Corbario answered. "I took the opportunity, because I knew + there would be no quail with this wind."</p> + + <p>"Marcello will come in when he is hungry," said Aurora, + rather sharply, because she really felt sorry.</p> + + <p>But Marcello did not come in.</p> + + <p>Soon after eight o'clock his mother appeared on the + verandah. Folco dropped his newspaper and hastened to make her + comfortable in her favourite chair. Though she was not strong, + she was not an invalid, but she was one of those women whom it + seems natural to help, to whom men bring cushions, and with + whom other women are always ready to sympathise. If one of Fra + Angelico's saints should walk into a modern drawing-room all + the men would fall over each other in the scramble to make her + comfortable, and all the women would offer her tea and ask her + if she felt the draught.</p> + + <p>The Signora looked about, expecting to see her son.</p> + + <p>"Marcello has not come in," said Folco, understanding. "He + seems to have gone for a long walk."</p> + + <p>"I hope he has put on his thick boots," answered the + Signora, in a thoughtful tone. "It is very wet."</p> + + <p>She asked why Folco was not with him shooting, and was told + that there were no birds in such weather. She had never + understood the winds, nor the points of the compass, nor why + one should see the new moon in the west instead of in the east. + Very few women do, but those who live much with men generally + end by picking up a few useful expressions, a little + phrase-book of jargon terms with which men are quite satisfied. + They find out that a fox has no tail, a wild boar no teeth, a + boat no prow, and a yacht no staircase; and this knowledge is + better than none.</p> + + <p>The Signora accepted the fact that there were no birds that + morning, and began to talk to Maddalena. Aurora got a book and + pretended to read, but she was really listening for Marcello's + footsteps, and wondering whether he would smile at her, or + would still be cross when he came in. Corbario finished his + paper and went off to look at the weather from the other side + of the house, and the two women talked in broken sentences as + old friends do, with long intervals of silence.</p> + + <p>The wind had moderated a good deal, but as the sun rose + higher the glare in the sky grew more yellow, the air was much + warmer, and the trees and shrubs and long grass began to steam + as if they had been half boiled. All manner of tiny flies and + gnats chased each other in the lurid light.</p> + + <p>"It feels as if there were going to be an earthquake," said + Maddalena, throwing back the lace from her grey hair as if even + its light weight oppressed her.</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>The women sat in silence, uneasy, their lips a little + parted. Not that an earthquake would have disturbed them much, + for slight ones are common enough in Italy, and could do no + harm at all to a wooden cottage; it was a mere physical + breathlessness that they felt, as the gale suddenly dropped and + the heavy air became quite still on the sheltered side of the + cottage.</p> + + <p>Aurora threw aside her book impatiently and rose from her + chair.</p> + + <p>"I am going to look for Marcello," she said, and she went + off without turning her head.</p> + + <p>On the other side of the cottage, as she went round, she + found Folco sitting on the steps of the verandah, his elbows on + his knees and his chin resting on his folded hands, apparently + in deep thought. He had a cigar between his teeth, but it had + gone out.</p> + + <p>"I am going to look for Marcello," said Aurora, as she + passed close beside him.</p> + + <p>He said nothing, and hardly moved his head. Aurora turned + and looked at him as she stepped upon the path.</p> + + <p>"What is the matter?" she asked, as she saw his face. "Is + anything wrong?"</p> + + <p>Corbario looked up quickly, as if he had been in a + reverie.</p> + + <p>"Anything the matter? No. Where did you say you were + going?"</p> + + <p>"To find Marcello. He has not come in yet."</p> + + <p>"He has gone for a walk, I suppose. He often walks alone on + off days. He will be back before luncheon, and you are not + going to town till the afternoon."</p> + + <p>"Will you come with me?" Aurora asked, for she was in a good + humour with Folco.</p> + + <p>He rose at once.</p> + + <p>"I'll go with you for a stroll," he said, "but I don't think + it is of any use to look for Marcello near the house."</p> + + <p>"It can do no harm."</p> + + <p>"And it will do us good to walk a bit."</p> + + <p>They went down the path and through the trees towards the + break in the bank.</p> + + <p>"The sand was very wet this morning, even inside the bank," + Aurora said. "I daresay we shall find his footsteps and be able + to guess which way he went."</p> + + <p>"Very likely," Folco answered.</p> + + <p>He pushed back his tweed cap a little and passed his + handkerchief across his smooth brow. Aurora noticed the action, + because he did not usually get warm so easily.</p> + + <p>"Are you hot?" she asked carelessly.</p> + + <p>"A little," he answered. "The air is so heavy this + morning."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps you are not quite well," said Aurora. "You are a + little pale."</p> + + <p>Apparently something in her youthfully patronising tone came + as near irritating him as anything ever could.</p> + + <p>"What does it matter, whether I am hot or not?" he asked, + almost impatiently, and again he passed his handkerchief over + his forehead.</p> + + <p>"I did not mean to annoy you," Aurora answered with uncommon + meekness.</p> + + <p>They came near the break in the bank, and she looked at the + sand on each side of her. She thought it seemed smoother than + usual, and that there were not so many little depressions in + it, where there had been footsteps on previous days, half + obliterated by wind and rain.</p> + + <p>"I cannot see where you and I passed an hour ago," she said, + in some surprise.</p> + + <p>"The wind draws through the gap with tremendous strength," + Folco explained. "Just before the gale moderated there was a + heavy squall with rain."</p> + + <p>"Was there? I did not notice that—but I was on the lee + side of the house. The wind must have smoothed the sand, just + like a flat-iron!"</p> + + <p>"Yes." Corbario answered indifferently and gazed out to + sea.</p> + + <p>Aurora left his side and looked about, going to a little + distance from the gap, first on one side and then on the + other.</p> + + <p>"It is as if the wind had done it on purpose!" she cried + impatiently. "It is as smooth as if it had all been swept with + a gardener's broom."</p> + + <p>Corbario turned, lighted his extinguished cigar, and watched + her, as she moved about, stooping now and then to examine the + sand.</p> + + <p>"I don't believe it is of any use to look here," he said. + "Besides, he will be back in time for luncheon."</p> + + <p>"I suppose so," answered Aurora. "Why do you look at me in + that way?" she asked, standing upright and meeting his eyes + suddenly.</p> + + <p>He laughed softly and took his cigar from his mouth.</p> + + <p>"I was watching you. You are very graceful when you + move."</p> + + <p>She did not like his expression.</p> + + <p>"I wish you would think less about me and more about finding + Marcello," she said rather sharply.</p> + + <p>"You talk as if he were lost. I tell you he will surely come + back before long."</p> + + <p>"I hope so."</p> + + <p>But Marcello did not come back, and after Aurora had + returned to the cottage and was seated in her chair again, with + her book, she grew restless, and went over in her memory what + had passed in the morning. It was not possible that Marcello + should really mean to carry out his threat, to go away without + a word, to leave her, to leave his mother; and yet, he was + gone. A settled conviction came over her that he was really + gone, just as he was, most probably back to Rome. She had + teased him, and he had been very angry, absurdly angry; and yet + she was perhaps responsible, in a way, for his disappearance. + Presently his mother would grow anxious and would ask + questions, and then it would all come out. It would be better + to be brave and to say at once that he had been angry with her; + she could confess the truth to her mother, to the Signora, if + necessary, or even to both together, for they were women and + would understand. But she could not tell the story before + Corbario. That would be out of the question; and yet, anything + would be better than to let them all think that something + dreadful had happened to Marcello. He had gone to Rome, of + course; or perhaps only to Porto d'Anzio, in which case he + would meet Ercole coming back.</p> + + <p>The hours wore on to midday, and Signora Corbario's + uneasiness grew into real anxiety. The Contessa did her best to + soothe her, but was anxious herself, and still Aurora said + nothing. Folco was grave, but assured every one that the boy + would soon return, though the Signora would not believe it.</p> + + <p>"He will never come back! Something dreadful has happened to + him!" And therewith she broke down completely and burst into + tears.</p> + + <p>"You must go and look for him," said Maddalena quietly to + Corbario.</p> + + <p>"I think you are right," he answered. "I am going to find + him," he said softly, bending down to his wife as she lay in + her chair, trying to control her sobs. "I will send some of the + men towards Porto d'Anzio and will go towards Nettuno + myself."</p> + + <p>She loved him and believed in him, and she was comforted + when she saw him go away and heard him calling the men from + their hut.</p> + + <p>Aurora was left alone with the two women.</p> + + <p>"I am afraid Marcello is gone to Rome," she said, with an + effort.</p> + + <p>The Signora raised herself in her long chair and stared hard + at the girl. The Contessa looked at her in surprise.</p> + + <p>"What do you know about it?" cried the Signora. "Why have + you not spoken, if you know anything? Don't you see that I am + half mad with anxiety?"</p> + + <p>Aurora had never seen the good lady in such a state, and was + almost frightened; but there was nothing to be done now, except + to go on. She told her little story timidly, but truthfully, + looking from her mother to the Signora while she spoke, and + wondering what would happen when she had finished.</p> + + <p>"He said, 'You shall wish me back, but I will not come.' I + think those were his last words."</p> + + <p>"You have broken my boy's heart!" cried the Signora + Corbario, turning her face away.</p> + + <p>Maddalena, whose heart had really been broken long ago, + could not help smiling.</p> + + <p>"I am sure I did not mean to," cried Aurora, contritely. + "And after all, though I daresay it was my fault, he called me + a miserable little flirt, and I only called him a baby."</p> + + <p>Maddalena would have laughed if her friend had not been in + such real distress. As for Aurora, she did not know whether she + would have laughed or cried if she had not felt that her girl's + dignity was at stake. As it was, she grew preternaturally + calm.</p> + + <p>"You have driven him away," moaned the Signora piteously. + "You have driven away my boy! Was he not good enough for + you?"</p> + + <p>She asked the question suddenly and vehemently, turning upon + poor Aurora with something like fury. She was quite beside + herself, and the Contessa motioned the girl away. Aurora rose + and disappeared round the corner of the house.</p> + + <p>Alone with her friend, Maddalena did her best to comfort + her. There were arguments enough: it was barely noon, and + Marcello had not been gone four hours; he was used to taking + long walks, he had probably gone as far as the tower, and had + rested there before coming back; or he had gone to meet Ercole + on the road to Porto d'Anzio; or he had gone off towards the + Nettuno woods to get over his anger in solitude; it was natural + enough; and after all, if he had gone to Rome as Aurora + thought, no harm could come to him, for he would go home, and + would surely send a telegram before evening. It was unlike him, + yes; but just at his age boys often did foolish things.</p> + + <p>"Marcello is not foolish!" objected the Signora + indignantly.</p> + + <p>She could by no means listen to reason, and was angry + because her friend tried to argue with her. She rose with an + energy she seldom displayed, and began to walk up and down the + verandah. Her face was very pale, her lip quivered when she + spoke, and there was an unnatural light in her eyes. There was + room for much moderate affection in her gentle nature; she had + loved her first husband; she loved Corbario dearly; but the + passion of her life was her son, and at the first presentiment + of real danger to him the dominant preoccupation of her heart + took violent possession of everything else in her, regardless + of reason, friendship, consideration for others, or common + sense.</p> + + <p>Maddalena walked up and down beside her, putting one arm + affectionately round her waist, and doing the best she could to + allay the tempest.</p> + + <p>It subsided suddenly, and was followed by a stony silence + that frightened the Contessa. It was time for luncheon, and + Aurora came back, hoping to find that she had been forgiven + during her absence, but the Signora only looked at her coldly + once or twice and would not speak. None of the three even + pretended to have an appetite.</p> + + <p>"I shall not go back to Rome to-day," said the Contessa. "I + cannot leave you in such anxiety."</p> + + <p>"Folco will take care of me," answered the Signora in a dull + tone. "Do not change your plans on my account. The carriage is + ordered at three o'clock."</p> + + <p>She spoke so coldly that Maddalena felt a little pardonable + resentment, though she knew that her friend was not at all + herself.</p> + + <p>"Very well," she answered quietly. "If you had rather that I + should not stay with you we will go back this afternoon."</p> + + <p>"It will be much better."</p> + + <p>When the carriage appeared neither Folco nor any of the men + had returned. The Signora made an evident attempt to show a + little of her habitual cordiality at parting, and she even + kissed Aurora coldly on the forehead, and embraced Maddalena + with something like her usual affection. The two looked back as + they drove away, calling out a last good-bye, but they saw that + the Signora was not even looking after them; she was leaning + against one of the wooden supports of the verandah, gazing + towards the trees, and pressing one hand to her forehead.</p> + + <p>"Do you think it was my fault, mamma?" asked Aurora, when + they were out of sight of the cottage.</p> + + <p>"No, dear," answered Maddalena. "Something has happened, I + wish I knew what!"</p> + + <p>"I only told him he was a baby," said Aurora, settling + herself in the corner of the carriage, and arranging her + parasol behind her so that it rested on the open hood; for the + weather had cleared and the sun was shining brightly after the + storm.</p> + + <p>So she and her mother went back to Rome that afternoon. But + when the Signora was alone, she was sorry that her friend was + gone, and was all at once aware that her head was aching + terribly. Every movement she made sent an agonizing thrill + through her brain, and her hand trembled from the pain, as she + pressed her palm to her forehead.</p> + + <p>She meant to go down to the beach alone, for she was sure + that she could find Marcello, and at least she would meet the + men who were searching for him, and have news sooner than if + she stayed in the cottage. But she could not have walked fifty + steps without fainting while her headache lasted. She would + take five grains of phenacetine, and in a little while she + would be better.</p> + + <p>She found the glass tube with the screw cap, and swallowed + one of the tablets with a little water. Then she sat down on + the edge of her long chair in the verandah to wait for the pain + to pass. She was very tired, and presently, she scarcely knew + how it was, she was lying at full length in her chair, her head + resting comfortably against the cushion.</p> + + <p>The sunlight fell slanting across her feet. Amongst the + trees two or three birds were twittering softly; it was warm, + it was dreamy, she was forgetting Marcello. She tried to rouse + herself as the thought of him crossed her mind, and she fancied + that she almost rose from the chair; but she had hardly lifted + one hand. Then she saw his face close before her, her lips + relaxed, the pain was gone, she smiled happily, and she was + asleep.</p> + + <p>Half an hour later her maid came quietly out to ask whether + she needed anything, and seeing that she was sleeping + peacefully spread a light shawl over her feet, placed the + silver handbell within easy reach on the table, and went away + again.</p> + + <p>Towards evening Folco came back and then the men, straggling + in on their tired little horses, for they had ridden far and + fast. Marcello was not with them.</p> + + <p>Corbario came in alone, and saw his wife lying in her chair + in the evening light. He stood still a moment, and then came + over and bent near her, looking earnestly into her quiet + face.</p> + + <p>"Already," he said aloud, but in a very low voice.</p> + + <p>His hand shook as he laid it on her heart, bending low. Then + he started violently and stood bolt upright, as an unearthly + howl rent the air.</p> + + <p>Nino, Ercole's queer dog, was close beside him, his forepaws + planted on the upper step of the verandah, his head thrown up, + his half-open jaws showing his jagged teeth, his rough coat + bristling like spikes of bearded barley.</p> + + <p>And Ercole, still a hundred yards away amongst the trees, + shook his head and hurried forward as he heard the long-drawn + note of brute terror.</p> + + <p>"Somebody is dead," he said to himself.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_V'></a>CHAPTER V</h2> + + <p>For a few weeks all Italy was profoundly interested in the + story of Marcello Corbario's disappearance and of his mother's + almost unaccountable death. It was spoken of as the "double + tragedy of the Campagna," and the newspapers were full of + it.</p> + + <p>The gates of the beautiful villa on the Janiculum were + constantly assailed by reporters; the servants who came out + from time to time were bribed, flattered, and tempted away to + eat sumptuous meals and drink the oldest wine in quiet gardens + behind old inns in Trastevere, in the hope that they might have + some information to sell. But no one gained admittance to the + villa except the agents of the police, who came daily to report + the fruitless search; and the servants had nothing to tell + beyond the bare truth. The young gentleman had gone for a walk + near the sea, down at the cottage by the Roman shore, and he + had never been heard of again. His mother had been suffering + from a bad headache, had lain down to rest in a cane chair on + the verandah, and had been found dead, with a smile on her + face, by her husband, when he came back from his first attempt + to find Marcello. The groom who always went down with the + carriage could describe with greatest accuracy the spot where + the Signorina Aurora had last seen him; the house servants gave + the most minute details about the cane chair, the verandah, and + the position in which the poor lady had been found; but that + was all, and it was not at all what the reporters wanted. They + had all been down to the cottage, each with his camera and + note-book, and had photographed everything in sight, including + Nino, Ercole's dog. What they wanted was a clue, a story, a + scandal if possible, and they found nothing of the sort.</p> + + <p>Folco Corbario's mourning was unostentatious and quiet, but + none of the few persons who saw him, whether detectives or + servants, could doubt that he was profoundly affected. He grew + paler and thinner every day, until his own man even began to + fear that his health was failing. He had done, and continued to + do, everything that was humanly possible. He had brought his + wife's body to Rome, and had summoned the very highest + authorities in the medical profession to discover, if possible, + the cause of her death. They had come, old men of science, full + of the experience of years, young men of the future, brimming + with theories, experts in chemistry, experts in snake poisons; + for Folco had even suggested that she might have been bitten by + a viper or stung by a venomous spider, or accidentally poisoned + by some medicine or something she had eaten.</p> + + <p>But the scientific gentlemen were soon agreed that no such + thing had happened. Considerably disappointed, and with an + unanimity which is so unusual in the confraternity as to be + thought absolutely conclusive when it is observed, they decided + that the Signora Corbario had died of collapse after intense + excitement caused by the disappearance of her son. Thereafter + she was buried out at San Lorenzo, with the secret, if there + were any; masses were said, the verdict of the doctors was + published, with the signatures of the most eminent + practitioners and specialists in Italy; and the interest of the + public concentrated itself upon the problem of Marcello's + mysterious removal, or abduction, or subduction, or recession, + or flight, from the very bosom of his family.</p> + + <p>This problem had the merit of defying solution. In a + comparatively open country, within a space of time which could + certainly be limited to five minutes, at a place whence he + should have been clearly seen by Folco Corbario as soon as + Aurora dell' Armi could no longer see him, the boy had been + spirited away, leaving not even the trace of his footsteps in + the sand. It was one of the most unaccountable disappearances + on record, as Folco insisted in his conversations with the + Chief of Police, who went down with him to the cottage and + examined the spot most carefully, with several expert + detectives. Folco showed him exactly where Aurora had stood, + and precisely the direction he himself had followed in + approaching the gap, and he declared it to be almost a physical + impossibility that Marcello should have become suddenly + invisible just then.</p> + + <p>The official thought so too, and shook his head. He looked + at the detectives, and they shook their heads, also. And then + they all looked at Corbario and expressed the opinion that + there was some mistake about the length of time supposed by + Aurora to have elapsed between the moment when Marcello left + her and the instant of Folco's appearance before her. She had + not looked at her watch; in fact, she had not carried a watch. + The whole story therefore depended upon her more or less + accurate judgment of time. It might have been a quarter of an + hour instead of five minutes, in which case Corbario had not + yet left the cottage, and Marcello would have had ample leisure + to disappear in any direction he pleased. Ercole had been away + at Porto d'Anzio, the men had been all at the hut; if Folco had + not been on the path precisely at the time guessed by Aurora, + everything could be accounted for.</p> + + <p>"Very well," Corbario answered. "Let us suppose that my + stepson had time to get away. In that case he can be found, + alive or dead. Italy is not China, nor Siberia, and I can place + unlimited funds at your disposal. Find him for me; that is all + I ask."</p> + + <p>"We shall find him, never fear!" answered the Chief of + Police with a confidence he did not feel.</p> + + <p>"We shall find him!" echoed the three detectives in + chorus.</p> + + <p>Ercole watched the proceedings and listened to what was + said, for he considered it his duty to attend on such an + occasion, his dog at his heels, his gun slung over his + shoulder. He listened and looked from one to the other with his + deep eyes and inscrutable parchment face, shrivelled by the + malarious fever. But he said nothing. The Chief of Police + turned to him at last.</p> + + <p>"Now what do you think about it?" asked the official. "You + know the country. Had there been any suspicious characters + about, fellows who could have carried off the boy?"</p> + + <p>"Such people would ask a ransom," answered Ercole. "You + would soon hear from them. But I saw no one. There have been no + brigands about Rome for more than twenty years. Do you dream + that you are in Sicily? Praise be to Heaven, this is the Roman + Campagna; we are Christians and we live under King Victor! + Where are the brigands? They have melted. Or else they are + making straw hats in the galleys. Do I know where they are? + They are not here. That is enough."</p> + + <p>"Quite right, my friend," answered the Chief of Police. + "There are no brigands. But I am sorry to say that there are + thieves in the Campagna, as there are near every great + city."</p> + + <p>Ercole shrugged his angular shoulders contemptuously.</p> + + <p>"Thieves would not carry a man away," he answered. "You know + that, you who are of the profession, as they say. Such ruffians + would have knocked the young gentleman on the head to keep him + quiet, and would have made off. And besides, we should have + found their tracks in the sand, and Nino would have smelt + them."</p> + + <p>Nino pricked up one ragged ear at the sound of his name.</p> + + <p>"He does not look very intelligent," observed the official. + "A clever dog might have been used to track the boy."</p> + + <p>"How?" inquired Ercole with scorn. "The footsteps of the + young gentleman were everywhere, with those of all the family, + who were always coming and going about here. How could he track + them, or any of us? But he would have smelt a stranger, even if + it had rained. I know this dog. He is the head dog on the Roman + shore. There is no other dog like him."</p> + + <p>"I daresay not," assented the Chief of Police, looking at + Nino. "In fact, he is not like any animal I ever saw."</p> + + <p>The detectives laughed at this.</p> + + <p>"There is no other," said Ercole without a smile. "He is the + only son of a widowed mother. I am his family, and he is my + family, and we live in good understanding in this desert. If + there were no fever we should be like the saints in + paradise—eating our corn meal together. And I will tell + you another thing. If the young gentleman had been wounded + anywhere near here, Nino would have found the blood even after + three days. As for a dead man, he would make a point for him + and howl half a mile off, unless the wind was the wrong + way."</p> + + <p>"Would he really?" asked Corbario with a little + interest.</p> + + <p>Ercole looked at him and nodded, but said no more, and + presently the whole party of men went back to Rome, leaving him + to the loneliness of the sand-banks and the sea.</p> + + <p>Then Ercole came back to the gap and stood still a little + while, and his dog sat bolt upright beside him.</p> + + <p>"Nino," he said at last, in a rather regretful tone, "I gave + you a good character. What could I say before those gentlemen? + But I tell you this, you are growing old. And don't answer that + I am getting old too, for that is my business. If your nose + were what it was once, we should know the truth by this time. + Smell that!"</p> + + <p>Ercole produced a small green morocco pocket-book, of the + sort made to hold a few visiting cards and a little paper + money, and held it to Nino's muzzle.</p> + + <p>Nino smelt it, looked up to his master's face inquiringly, + smelt it again, and then, as if to explain that it did not + interest him, lay down in the sand with his head on his + forepaws.</p> + + <p>"You see!" growled Ercole. "You cannot even tell whether it + belonged to the boy or to Corbario. An apoplexy on you! You + understand nothing! Ill befall the souls of your dead, you + ignorant beast!"</p> + + <p>Nino growled, but did not lift his head.</p> + + <p>"You understand that," said Ercole, discontentedly. "If you + were a Christian you would stick a knife into me for insulting + your dead! Yet you cannot tell whose pocket-book this is! And + if I knew, I should know something worth knowing."</p> + + <p>The pocket-book disappeared in the interior recesses of + Ercole's waistcoat. It was empty and bore no initial, and he + could not remember to have seen it in Corbario's or Marcello's + hands, but he was quite sure that it belonged to one of them. + He was equally sure that if he showed it to Corbario the latter + would at once say that it was Marcello's, and would take it + away from him, so he said nothing about it. He had found it in + the sand, a little way up the bank, during his first search + after Marcello's disappearance.</p> + + <p>Ercole's confidence in the good intentions of his fellow-men + was not great; he was quite lacking in the sort of charity + which believeth all things, and had a large capacity for + suspicion of everybody and everything; he held all men to be + liars and most women to be something worse.</p> + + <p>"Men are at least Christians," he would say to Nino, "but a + female is always a female."</p> + + <p>If he took a liking for any one, as for Marcello, he excused + himself for the weakness on the ground that he was only human + after all, and in his heart he respected his dog for snarling + at everybody without discrimination. There was no doubt, + however, that he felt a sort of attachment for the boy, and he + admitted the failing while he deplored it. Besides, he detested + Corbario, and had felt that his own common sense was insulted + by the fact that Folco seemed devoted to Marcello. The + suspicion that Folco had got rid of his stepson in order to get + his fortune was therefore positively delightful, accompanied as + it was by the conviction that he should one day prove his enemy + a murderer. Perhaps if he could have known what Folco Corbario + was suffering, he might have been almost satisfied, but he had + no means of guessing that. In his opinion the man knew what had + become of Marcello, and could be made to tell if proper means + were used. At night Ercole put himself to sleep by devising the + most horrible tortures for his master, such as no fortitude + could resist, and by trying to guess what the wretched man + would say when his agony forced him to confess the truth.</p> + + <p>He was almost sure by this time that Marcello was dead, + though how Folco could have killed him, carried off his body to + a great distance and buried him, without ever absenting himself + from the cottage, was more than Ercole could imagine. He paid + Corbario's skill the compliment of believing that he had not + employed any accomplice, but had done the deed alone.</p> + + <p>How? That was the question. Ercole knew his dog well enough, + and was perfectly sure that if the body had been concealed + anywhere within a mile of the cottage Nino would have found it + out, for the dog and his master had quartered every foot of the + ground within three days after Marcello had been lost. It was + utterly, entirely impossible that Folco, without help, could + have dragged the dead boy farther. When he had gone on his + pretended search he had not been alone; one of the men had + ridden with him, and had never lost sight of him, as Ercole + easily ascertained without seeming to ask questions. Ercole had + obtained a pretty fair knowledge of Corbario's movements on + that day, and it appeared that he had not been absent from the + cottage more than half an hour at any time before he went to + look for Marcello.</p> + + <p>"If Corbario himself had disappeared in that way," said + Ercole to himself and Nino, "it would be easy to understand. We + should know that the devil had carried him off."</p> + + <p>But no such supernatural intervention of the infernal powers + could be supposed in Marcello's case, and Ercole racked his + brains to no purpose, and pondered mad schemes for carrying + Corbario off out of Rome to a quiet place where he would + extract the truth from him, and he growled at the impossibility + of such a thing, and fell to guessing again.</p> + + <p>In the magnificent library of the villa on the Janiculum, + Folco was guessing, too, and with no better result. But because + he could not guess right, and could get no news of Marcello, + his eyes were growing hollow and his cheeks wan.</p> + + <p>The lawyers came and talked about the will, and explained to + him that all the great property was his, unless Marcello came + back, and that in any case he was to administer it. They said + that if no news of the boy were obtained within a limited time, + the law must take it for granted that he had perished in some + unaccountable way. Folco shook his head.</p> + + <p>"He must be found," he said. "I have good nerves, but if I + do not find out what has become of him I shall go mad."</p> + + <p>The lawyers spoke of courage and patience, but a sickly + smile twisted Folco's lips.</p> + + <p>"Put yourself in my place, if you can," he answered.</p> + + <p>The lawyers, who knew the value of the property to a + farthing, wished they could, though if they had known also what + was passing in his mind they might have hesitated to exchange + their lot for his.</p> + + <p>"He was like your own son," they said sympathetically. "A + wife and a son gone on the same day! It is a tragedy. It is + more than a man can bear."</p> + + <p>"It is indeed!" answered Corbario in a low voice and looking + away.</p> + + <p>Almost the same phrases were exchanged each time that the + two men came to the villa about the business, and when they + left they never failed to look at each other gravely and to + remark that Folco was a person of the deepest feeling, to whom + such an awful trial was almost worse than death; and the elder + lawyer, who was of a religious turn of mind, said that if such + a calamity befell him he would retire from the world, but the + younger answered that, for his part, he would travel and see + the world and try to divert his thoughts. In their different + ways they were hard-headed, experienced men; yet neither of + them suspected for a moment that there was anything wrong. Both + were honestly convinced that Folco had been a model husband to + his dead wife, and a model father to her lost son. What they + could not understand was that he should not find consolation in + possessing their millions, and they could only account for the + fact by calling him a person of the deepest feeling—a + feeling, indeed, quite past their comprehension.</p> + + <p>Even the Contessa dell' Armi was impressed by the + unmistakable signs of suffering in his face. She went twice to + see him within three weeks after her friend's death, and she + came away convinced that she had misjudged him. Aurora did not + go with her, and Corbario barely asked after her. He led + Maddalena to his dead wife's room and begged her to take some + object that had belonged to the Signora, in memory of their + long friendship. He pressed her to accept a necklace, or a + bracelet, or some other valuable ornament, but Maddalena would + only take a simple little gold chain which she herself had + given long ago.</p> + + <p>Her own sorrow for her friend was profound but + undemonstrative, as her nature had grown to be. Aurora saw it, + and never referred to it, speaking only now and then of + Marcello, to ask if there were any news of him.</p> + + <p>"He is not dead," the girl said one day. "I know he will + come back. He went away because I called him a baby."</p> + + <p>Her mother smiled sadly and shook her head.</p> + + <p>"Did you love him, dear?" she asked softly.</p> + + <p>"We were children then," Aurora answered. "How do I know? I + shall know when he comes back."</p> + + <p>It was true that the girl had changed within a few weeks, + and her mother saw it. Her smile was not the same, and her eyes + were deeper. She had begun to gather her hair in a knot, closer + to her head, and that altered her expression a little and made + her look much older; but there was more than that, there was + something very hard to describe, something one might call + conviction—the conviction that the world is real, which + comes upon girlhood as suddenly as waking on sleep, or sleep on + waking. She had crossed the narrow borderland between play and + earnest, and she had crossed it very soon.</p> + + <p>"He will come back," she said. "He went away on that little + ship that was tossing in the storm. I know it, though I cannot + tell how he got out to it through the breaking waves."</p> + + <p>"That is perfectly impossible, child," said Maddalena with + certainty.</p> + + <p>"Never mind. If we knew what ship that was, and where she is + now, we could find Marcello. I am as sure of it as I am sure of + seeing you at this moment. You know you often say that my + presentiments come true. As soon as we knew he was gone I + thought of the little ship."</p> + + <p>It was natural, perhaps. The picture of the small + brigantine, fighting for existence, had graved itself in her + memory. With its crew so near death, it had been the only thing + within sight that suggested human life after Marcello was gone. + The utter impossibility of a man's swimming out through the + raging sea that broke upon the bar was nothing compared with + Aurora's inward conviction that the little vessel had borne + away the secret of his disappearance. And she had not been + wrecked: Aurora knew that, for a wreck anywhere on the Roman + shore would have been spoken of at once. They are unfortunately + common enough, and since her childhood Aurora had more than + once seen a schooner's masts sticking up out of the treacherous + water a cable's length from the shore. The brigantine had got + away, for the gale had moderated very suddenly, as spring gales + do in the Mediterranean, just when the captain was making up + his mind to let go both anchors and make a desperate attempt to + save his vessel by riding out the storm—a forlorn hope + with such ground tackle as he had in his chain lockers. And + then he had stood out, and had sailed away, one danger more + behind him in his hard life, and one less ahead. He had sailed + away—whither? No one could tell. Those little vessels, + built in the south of Italy, often enough take salt to South + America, and are sold there, cargo and all; and some of the + crew stay there, and some get other ships, but almost all are + dispersed. The keeper of the San Lorenzo tower, who had been a + deep-water man, had told Aurora about it. He himself had once + gone out in a Sicilian brigantine from Trapani, and had stayed + away three years, knocking about the world in all sorts of + craft.</p> + + <p>Yet this one might have been on a coastwise trip to Genoa + and Marseilles. That was quite possible. If one could only find + out her name. And yet, if she had put into a near port Marcello + would have come back; for Aurora was quite sure that he had got + on board her somehow. It was all a mystery, all but the + certainty she felt that he was still alive, and which nothing + could shake, even when every one else had given him up. Aurora + begged her mother to speak to Corbario about it. With his + experience and knowledge of things he would know what to do; he + could find some way of tracing the vessel, wherever she might + be.</p> + + <p>The Contessa was convinced that the girl's theory was + utterly untenable, and it was only to please her that she + promised to speak of it if she saw Corbario again. Soon + afterward she decided to leave Rome for the summer, and before + going away she went once more to the villa. It was now late in + June, and she found Folco in the garden late in the + afternoon.</p> + + <p>He looked ill and tired, but she thought him a little less + thin than when she had seen him last. He said that he, too, + meant to leave Rome within a few days, that he intended to go + northward first to see an old friend of his who had recently + returned from South America, and that he should afterwards go + down to Calabria, to San Domenico, and spend the autumn there. + He had no news of Marcello. He looked thoughtfully down at his + hands as he said this in a tone of profound sorrow.</p> + + <p>"Aurora has a fixed idea," said Maddalena. "While she was + talking with Marcello at the gap in the bank there was a small + ship tossing about not far from the shore."</p> + + <p>"Well?" asked Corbario. "What of it?"</p> + + <p>As he looked up from the contemplation of his hands + Maddalena was struck by his extreme pallor and the terrible + hollowness of his eyes.</p> + + <p>"How ill you look!" she exclaimed, almost involuntarily. + "The sooner you go away the better."</p> + + <p>"What did Aurora say about the brigantine?" he asked + earnestly, by way of answer.</p> + + <p>Maddalena knew too little about the sea to understand that + he must have noticed the vessel's rig to name it correctly, as + he did, and without hesitation.</p> + + <p>"She is convinced that Marcello got on board of her," she + answered.</p> + + <p>Corbario's face relaxed a little, and he laughed + harshly.</p> + + <p>"That is utterly absurd!" he answered. "No swimmer that ever + lived could have got to her, nor any boat either! There was a + terrific surf on the bar."</p> + + <p>"Of course not," assented Maddalena. "But you saw the ship, + too?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Aurora was looking at her when I reached the gap. That + is why I noticed the vessel," Corbario added, as if by an + afterthought. "She was a Sicilian brigantine, and was carrying + hardly any sail. If the gale had lasted she would probably have + been driven ashore. Her only chance would have been to drop + anchor."</p> + + <p>"You know all about ships and the sea, don't you?" asked + Maddalena, with a very little curiosity, but without any + particular intention.</p> + + <p>"Oh, no!" cried Corbario, as if he were protesting against + something. "I have made several long voyages, and I have a + knack of remembering the names of things, nothing more."</p> + + <p>"I did not mean to suggest that you had been a sailor," + Maddalena answered.</p> + + <p>"What an idea! I, a sailor!"</p> + + <p>He seemed vaguely amused at the idea. The Contessa took + leave of him, after giving him her address in the north of + Italy, and begging him to write if he found any clue to + Marcello's disappearance. He promised this, and they parted, + not expecting to meet again until the autumn.</p> + + <p>In a few days they had left Rome for different destinations. + The little apartment near the Forum of Trajan where the + Contessa and her daughter lived was shut up, and at the great + villa on the Janiculum the solemn porter put off his mourning + livery and dressed himself in brown linen, and smoked endless + pipes within the closed gates when it was not too hot to be out + of doors. The horses were turned out to grass, and the coachman + and grooms departed to the country. The servants opened the + windows in the early morning, shut them at ten o'clock against + the heat, and dozed the rest of the time, or went down into the + city to gossip with their friends in the afternoon. It was high + summer, and Rome went to sleep.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_VI'></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> + + <p>"What do we eat to-day?" asked Paoluccio, the innkeeper on + the Frascati road, as he came in from the glare and the dust + and sat down in his own black kitchen.</p> + + <p>"Beans and oil," answered his wife.</p> + + <p>"An apoplexy take you!" observed the man, by way of mild + comment.</p> + + <p>"It is Friday," said the woman, unmoved, though she was of a + distinctly apoplectic habit.</p> + + <p>The kitchen was also the eating-room where meals were served + to the wine-carters on their way to Rome and back. The beams + and walls were black with the smoke of thirty years, for no + whitewash had come near them since the innkeeper had married + Nanna. It was a rich, crusty black, lightened here and there to + chocolate brown, and shaded off again to the tint of strong + coffee. High overhead three hams and half a dozen huge sausages + hung slowly curing in the acrid wood smoke. There was an open + hearth, waist high, for roasting, and having three square holes + sunk in it for cooking with charcoal. An enormous bunch of + green ferns had been hung by a long string from the highest + beam to attract the flies, which swarmed on it like bees on a + branch. The floor was of beaten cement, well swept and watered. + Along three of the walls there were heavy tables of rough-hewn + oak, with benches, polished by long and constant use. A + trap-door covered the steps that led down to the deep cellar, + which was nothing but a branch of those unexplored catacombs + that undermine the Campagna in all directions. The place was + dim, smoky, and old, but it was not really dirty, for in his + primitive way the Roman wine-carter is fastidious. It is not + long since he used to bring his own solid silver spoon and fork + with him, and he will generally rinse a glass out two or three + times before he will drink out of it.</p> + + <p>The kitchen of the inn was cool compared with the road + outside, and though it smelt chiefly of the stale smoke of + green wood, this was pervaded and tempered by odours of fern, + fresh cabbages, goats'-milk cheese, and sour red wine. The + brown earthen pot simmered over one of the holes in the hearth, + emitting little clouds of steam; but boiling beans have no + particular smell, as everybody knows.</p> + + <p>Paoluccio had pushed his weather-beaten soft hat back on his + head, and sat drumming on the oak table with his knotty + fingers. He was a strong man, thickset and healthy, with + grizzled hair and an intensely black beard. His wife was fat, + and purple about the jaws and under the ears. She stood with + her back to the hearth, looking at him, with a wooden spoon in + her hand.</p> + + <p>"Beans," she said slowly, and she looked up at the rafters + and down again at her husband.</p> + + <p>"You have told me so," he growled, "and may the devil fly + away with you!"</p> + + <p>"Beans are not good for people who have the fever," observed + Nanna.</p> + + <p>"Beans are rather heavy food," assented the innkeeper, + apparently understanding. "Bread and water are better. Pour a + little oil on the bread."</p> + + <p>"A man who has the fever may die of eating beans," said + Nanna thoughtfully. "This is also to be considered."</p> + + <p>"It is true." Paoluccio looked at his wife in silence for a + moment. "But a person who is dead must be buried," he + continued, as if he had discovered something. "When a person is + dead, he is dead, whether he dies of eating beans + or—"</p> + + <p>He broke off significantly, and his right hand, as it lay + before him, straightened itself and made a very slight + vibrating motion, with the fingers all close together. It is + the gesture that means the knife among the southern people. + Nanna instantly looked round, to be sure that no one else was + in the room.</p> + + <p>"When you have given that medicine, you cannot send for the + doctor," she observed, lowering her voice. "But if he eats, and + dies, what can any one say? We have fed him for charity; it is + Friday and we have given him beans. What can we know? Are not + beans good food? We have nothing else, and it is for charity, + and we give what we have. I don't think they could expect us to + give him chickens and French wine, could they?"</p> + + <p>Paoluccio growled approval.</p> + + <p>"It is forty-seven days," continued Nanna. "You can make the + account. Chickens and milk and fresh meat for forty-seven days! + Even the bread comes to something in that time, at least two + soldi a day—two forties eighty, two sevens fourteen, + ninety-four—nearly five francs. Who will give us the five + francs? Are we princes?"</p> + + <p>"There is the cow," observed Paoluccio with a grin.</p> + + <p>"Imbecile," retorted his wife. "It has been a good year; we + bought the wine cheap, we sell it dear, without counting what + we get for nothing from the carters; we buy a cow with our + earnings, and where is the miracle?"</p> + + <p>The innkeeper looked towards the door and the small window + suspiciously before he answered in a low voice.</p> + + <p>"If I had not been sure that he would die, I would not have + sold the watch and chain," he said. "In the house of my father + we have always been honest people."</p> + + <p>"He will die," answered Nanna, confidently and with + emphasis. "The girl says he is hungry to-day. He shall eat + beans. They are white beans, too, and the white are much + heavier than the brown."</p> + + <p>She lifted the tin cover off the earthen pot and stirred the + contents.</p> + + <p>"White beans!" grumbled Paoluccio. "And the weather is hot. + Do you wish to kill me?"</p> + + <p>"No," answered Nanna quietly. "Not you."</p> + + <p>"Do you know what I say?" Paoluccio planted a huge finger on + the oaken board. "That sick butterfly upstairs is tougher than + I am. Forty-seven days of fever, and nothing but bread and + water! Think of that, my Nanna! Think of it! You or I would be + consumed, one would not even see our shadows on the floor! But + he lives."</p> + + <p>"If he eats the white beans he has finished living," + remarked Nanna.</p> + + <p>A short silence followed, during which Paoluccio seemed to + be meditating, and Nanna began to ladle the beans out into four + deep earthenware bowls, roughly glazed and decorated with green + and brown stripes.</p> + + <p>"You are a jewel; you are the joy of my heart," he observed + thoughtfully, as Nanna placed his portion before him, covered + it with oil, and scattered some chopped basil on the + surface.</p> + + <p>"Eat, my love," she said, and she cut a huge piece from a + coarse loaf and placed it beside him on a folded napkin that + looked remarkably clean in such surroundings, and emitted a + pleasant odour of dried lavender blossoms.</p> + + <p>"Where is the girl?" asked Paoluccio, stirring the mess and + blowing upon it.</p> + + <p>As he spoke, the door was darkened, and the girl stood there + with a large copper "conca," the water-jar of the Roman + province, balanced on her head—one of the most + magnificent human beings on whom the sun of the Campagna ever + shone. She was tall, and she bent her knees without moving her + neck, in order to enter the door without first setting down the + heavy vessel.</p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:100%;"> +<a name="Door"></a> +<img src="images/Illus102_Door.jpg" width="400" height="552" alt="[Illustration: ]" /> +<p class="caption">" ... THE DOOR WAS DARKENED, AND THE GIRL STOOD THERE WITH + A LARGE COPPER 'CONCA' ..."</p> +</div> + + <p>Her thick dark hair grew low on her forehead, almost black, + save for the reddish chestnut lights where a few tiny ringlets + curled themselves about her small and classic ears. Straight + black eyebrows outlined the snow-white forehead, and long brown + lashes shaded the fearless eyes, that looked black too. She + smiled a little, quite unconsciously, as she lowered herself + with the weight and gracefully rose to her height again after + she had entered. One shapely brown hand steadied the conca + above, the other gathered her coarse skirt; then she stood + still, lifted the load from her head with both hands and + without any apparent effort, and set it down in its place on a + stone slab near the hearth. Most women need a little help to do + that.</p> + + <p>She laid aside the twisted cloth on which the conca had + rested while she carried it, and she smoothed her hair + carelessly.</p> + + <p>"There are beans," said Nanna, giving the girl one of the + bowls. "There is the bread. While they are cooling take the + other portion upstairs."</p> + + <p>The girl looked at the bowl, and at Nanna, and then at + Paoluccio, and stood stock still.</p> + + <p>"Hey, there!" the man cried, with a rough laugh. "Hey! + Reginella! Are you going to sleep, or are you turning into a + statue?"</p> + + <p>"Am I to give him the beans to eat?" asked Regina, looking + hard at the innkeeper.</p> + + <p>"You said he was hungry. That is what there is for dinner. + We give him what we have."</p> + + <p>Regina's dark eyes lightened; her upper lip rose in a curve + and showed her closed teeth, strong and white as those of a + young animal.</p> + + <p>"Do as you are told," added Paoluccio. "This is charity. + When you examine your conscience at Easter you can say, 'I have + fed the hungry and cared for the sick.' The beans are mine, of + course, but that makes no difference. I make you a present of + them."</p> + + <p>"Thank you!"</p> + + <p>"Welcome," answered Paoluccio, with his mouth, full.</p> + + <p>Regina took the fourth bowl and a piece of bread and went + out. The steps to the upper part of the house were on the + outside, as is common in the houses of the Campagna.</p> + + <p>"How old is she?" Paoluccio asked when she was gone.</p> + + <p>"She must be twenty," answered Nanna. "It must be ten years + since her mother died, and her mother said she was ten years + old. She has eaten many loaves in this house."</p> + + <p>"She has worked for her food," said the innkeeper. "And she + is an honest girl."</p> + + <p>"What did you expect? That I should let her be idle, or make + eyes at the carters? But you always defend her, because she is + pretty, you ugly scamp!"</p> + + <p>Nanna uttered her taunt in a good-natured tone, but she + glanced furtively at her husband to see the effect of her + words, for it was not always safe to joke with Paoluccio.</p> + + <p>"If I did not defend her," he answered, "you would beat the + life out of her."</p> + + <p>"I daresay," replied Nanna, and filled her mouth with + beans.</p> + + <p>"But now," said Paoluccio, swallowing, "if you are not + careful she will break all your bones. She has the health of a + horse."</p> + + <p>So the couple discussed matters amiably, while Regina was + out of the way.</p> + + <p>In a garret that had a small unglazed window looking to the + north, the girl was bending over a wretched trestle-bed, which + was literally the only piece of furniture in the room; and on + the coarse mattress, stuffed with the husks and leaves of + maize, lay all that the fever had left of Marcello Consalvi, + shivering under a tattered brown blanket. There was little more + than the shadow of the boy, and his blue eyes stared dully up + at the girl's face. But there was life in him still, thanks to + her, and though there was no expression in his gaze, his lips + smiled faintly, and faint words came from them.</p> + + <p>"Thank you," he said, "I am better to-day. Yes, I could eat + something."</p> + + <p>Regina bent lower, smiling happily, and she kissed the boy's + face three times; she kissed his eyes and dry lips. And he, + too, smiled again.</p> + + <p>Then she left the bedside and went to a dark corner, where + she cautiously moved aside a loose board. From the recess she + took a common tumbler and a bottle of old wine and a battered + iron spoon. She crouched upon the floor, because there was no + table; she took two fresh eggs out of the folds of the big red + and yellow cotton handkerchief that covered her shoulders and + was crossed over her bosom, and she broke them into the glass, + and hid the empty shells carefully in the folds again, so that + they should not be found in the room. For she had stolen these + for Marcello, as usual, as well as the old wine. She poured a + little of the latter into the glass and stirred the eggs + quickly and softly, making hardly any noise. From the recess in + the wall she got a little sugar, which was wrapped up in a bit + of newspaper brown with age and smoke, and she sweetened the + eggs and wine and stirred again; and at last she came and fed + Marcello with the battered spoon. She had put off her coarse + slippers and walked about in her thick brown woollen stockings, + lest she should be heard below. She was very quiet and skilful, + and she had strangely small and gentle hands for a peasant + girl. Marcello's head was propped up by her left arm while she + fed him.</p> + + <p>She had kept him alive six weeks, and she had saved his + life. She had found him lying against the door of the inn at + dawn, convulsed with ague and almost unconscious, and had + carried him into the house like a child, though he had been + much heavier then. Of course the innkeeper had taken his watch + and chain, and his jacket and sleeve-links and studs, to keep + them safe, he said. Regina knew what that meant, but Paoluccio + had ordered her to take care of him, and she had done her best. + Paoluccio felt that if the boy died it would be the will of + heaven, and that he probably would not live long with such care + and such nourishment as he would get up there in the attic. + When he was dead, it would be time enough to tell the + carabineers who passed the house twice every twenty-four hours + on their beat; they would see that a sick boy had been taken + in, and that he had died of the fever, and as they need never + know how long he had been in the inn, the whole affair would + redound to Paoluccio's credit with them and with customers. But + as long as he was alive it was quite unnecessary that any one + should know of his existence, especially as the watch and chain + had been converted into money, and the money into a fine young + cow. That Marcello could get well on bread and water never + entered Paoluccio's head.</p> + + <p>But he had counted without Regina; that is to say that he + had overlooked the love and devotion of an intensely vital + creature, younger, quicker, and far cleverer that he, who would + watch the sick boy day and night, steal food and wine for him, + lose sleep for him, risk blows for him, and breathe her strong + life into his weak body; to whom the joy of saving him from + death would be so much greater than all fatigue, that there + would be no shadow under her eyes, no pallor in her cheek, no + weariness in her elastic gait to tell of sleepless nights spent + by his bedside in soothing his ravings, or in listening for the + beat of his heart when he lay still and exhausted, his tired + head resting on her strong white arm. And when he seemed better + and at ease she often fell asleep beside him, half sitting, + half lying, on the pallet bed, her cheek on the straw pillow, + her breath mingling with his in the dark.</p> + + <p>He was better now, and she felt the returning life in him, + almost before he was sure of it himself; and while her heart + was almost bursting with happiness, so that she smiled to + herself throughout her rough work all day long, she knew that + he could not stay where he was. Paoluccio expected him to die, + and was beginning to be tired of waiting, and so was Nanna. If + he recovered, he would ask for his watch and other things; he + was evidently a fine young gentleman to whom some strange + accident had happened, and he must have friends somewhere. Half + delirious, he had spoken of them and of his mother, and of some + one called Aurora, whom Regina already hated with all her heart + and soul. The innkeeper and his wife had never come near him + since the former had helped the girl to carry him upstairs, but + if they suspected that he was recovering she would not be able + to prevent them from seeing him; and if they did, she knew what + would happen. They would send her on an errand, and when she + came back Marcello would be dead. She might refuse to go, but + they were strong people and would be two to one. Brave as + Regina was, she did not dare to wait for the carabineers when + they came by on their beat and to tell them the truth, for she + had the Italian peasant's horror and dread of the law and its + visible authority; and moreover she was quite sure that + Paoluccio would murder her if she told the secret.</p> + + <p>"If I could only take you to Rome!" she whispered, bending + over him when he had swallowed the contents of the glass. "You + could tell me where your friends are."</p> + + <p>"Rome?" he repeated, with a vacant questioning.</p> + + <p>She nodded and smiled, and then sighed. She had long been + sure that the fever had affected his memory, and she had tried + many times to awaken it.</p> + + <p>She loved him because he had the face of an angel, and was + fair-haired, and seemed so gentle and patient, and smiled so + sweetly when she kissed him. That was all. He could thank her; + he could tell her that he was better or worse; he could speak + of what he saw; he could even tell her that she was beautiful, + and that was much. He was Marcello, he had told her that, but + when she asked what other name he had, he looked at her blankly + at first, and then an expression of painful effort came over + his face, and she would not disturb him any more. He could not + remember. He did not know how he had come to the inn door; he + had been walking in the Campagna alone and had felt tired. He + knew no more.</p> + + <p>If only she could get him to Rome. It was not more than + seven or eight miles to the city, and Regina had often been + there with Nanna. She had been to Saint John Lateran's at + midsummer for the great festival, and she knew where the + hospital was, in which famous professors cured every ill under + the sun. If she could bring Marcello to them, he would get + well; if he stayed much longer at the inn, Paoluccio would kill + him; being a woman, and a loving one, Regina only regarded as + possible what she wished, where the man she loved was + concerned.</p> + + <p>She made up her mind that if it could not be done by any + other means she would carry Marcello all the way. During his + illness she had often lifted him from his bed like a little + child, for he was slightly built by nature and was worn to a + shadow by the fever. Even Aurora could have raised him, and he + was a featherweight in the arms of such a creature as Regina. + But it would be another matter to carry such an awkward burden + for miles along the highroad; and besides, she would meet the + carabineers, and as she would have to go at night, they would + probably arrest her and put her in prison, and Marcello would + die. She must find some other way.</p> + + <p>She laid his head tenderly on the pillow and left him, + promising to come back as soon as she could. For safety she had + brought the dish of beans with her, lest Nanna should follow + her, and she took it with her, just as it was; but at the foot + of the outer stairs she ran along the back of the house to the + pig-sty, and emptied the mess into the trough, carefully + scraping the bowl with the spoon so that it looked as if some + one had eaten the contents. Then she went back to the + kitchen.</p> + + <p>"Has he eaten?" inquired Nanna, and Paoluccio looked up, + too.</p> + + <p>"You see," answered Regina, showing the empty bowl.</p> + + <p>"Health to him!" answered Paoluccio. "He has a good + appetite."</p> + + <p>"Eat your own," said Nanna to the girl.</p> + + <p>She suspected that Regina might have eaten the beans meant + for Marcello, but her doubt vanished as she saw how the hungry + young thing devoured her own portion.</p> + + <p>"Are there any more left?" Regina asked when she had + finished, for she understood perfectly what was going on in the + minds of the other two.</p> + + <p>She looked into the earthen cooking-pot which now stood on + the corner of the hearth.</p> + + <p>"Not even the smell of any more," answered Nanna. "There is + bread."</p> + + <p>Regina's white teeth crushed the hard brown crust as if she + had not eaten for a week. There could be no doubt but that the + sick boy had eaten the beans; and beans, especially white ones, + are not good for people who have the fever, as Nanna had justly + observed.</p> + + <p>"On Sunday he shall have a dish of liver and cabbage," she + said, in a cheerful tone. "There is much strength in liver, and + cabbage is good for the blood. I shall take it to him myself, + for it will be a pleasure to see him eat."</p> + + <p>"The beans were soon finished," said Regina, with perfect + truth.</p> + + <p>"I told you how it would be," Paoluccio answered.</p> + + <p>But Regina knew that the time had come to get Marcello away + from the inn if he ever was to leave it alive, and in the + afternoon, when Nanna was dozing in her chair in the kitchen + and Paoluccio was snoring upstairs, and when she had smoothed + Marcello's pillow, she went out and sat down in front of the + house, where there was shade at that hour, though the glare + from the dusty road would have blinded weaker eyes than hers. + She sat on the stone seat that ran along the house, and leaned + against the rough wall, thinking and scheming, and quite sure + that she should find a way.</p> + + <p>At first she looked about, while she thought, from the + well-known mountains that bounded her world to the familiar + arches of the distant aqueduct, from the dry ditch opposite to + the burning sky above and the greyish green hillocks below + Tivoli. But by and by she looked straight before her, with a + steady, concentrated stare, as if she saw something happening + and was watching to see how it would end.</p> + + <p>She had found what she wanted, and was quite sure of it; + only a few details remained to be settled, such as what was to + become of her after she left the inn where she had grown up. + But that did not trouble her much.</p> + + <p>She was not delicately nurtured that she should dread the + great world of which she knew nothing, nor had Nanna's + conversation during ten years done much to strengthen her in + the paths of virtue. Her pride had done much more and might + save her wherever she went, but she was very well aware of + life's evil truths. And what would her pride be compared with + Marcello, the first and only being she had ever loved? To begin + with, she knew that the handsome people from the country earned + money by serving as models for painters and sculptors, and she + had not the slightest illusion about her own looks. Since she + had been a child people who came to the inn had told her that + she was beautiful; and not the rough wine-carters only, for the + fox-hunters sometimes came that way, riding slowly homeward + after a long run, and many a fine gentleman in pink had said + things to her which she had answered sharply, but which she + remembered well. She had not the slightest doubt but that she + was one of the handsomest girls in Italy, and the absolute + certainty of the conviction saved her from having any small + vanity about her looks. She knew that she had only to show + herself and that every one would stand and look at her, only to + beckon and she would be followed. She did not crave admiration; + a great beauty rarely does. She simply defied competition, and + was ready to laugh at it in a rather good-natured way, for she + knew what she had, and was satisfied.</p> + + <p>As for the rest, she was merely clever and fearless, and her + moral inheritance was not all that might be desired; for her + father had left her mother in a fit of pardonable jealousy, + after nearly killing her and quite killing his rival, and her + mother had not redeemed her character after his abrupt + departure. On the contrary, if an accident had not carried her + off suddenly, Regina's virtuous parent would probably have sold + the girl into slavery. Poor people are not all honest, any more + than other kinds of people are. Regina did not mourn her + mother, and hardly remembered her father at all, and she never + thought of either.</p> + + <p>She owed Paoluccio and Nanna nothing, in her opinion. They + had fed her sufficiently, and clothed her decently for the good + of the house; she had done the work of two women in return, + because she was strong, and she had been honest, because she + was proud. Even the innkeeper and his wife would not have + pretended that she owed them much gratitude; they were much too + natural for that, and besides, the girl was too handsome, and + there might be some scandal about her any day which would + injure the credit of the inn. Nanna thought Paoluccio much too + fond of watching her, as it was, and reflected that if she went + to the city she would be well out of the way, and might go to + the devil if she pleased.</p> + + <p>Regina's plan for taking Marcello was simple, like most + plans which succeed, and only depended for its success on being + carried out fearlessly.</p> + + <p>The wine-carters usually came to the inn from the hills + between nine and eleven o'clock at night, and the carts, + heavy-laden with wine casks, stood in a line along the road, + while the men went into the kitchen to eat and drink. They + generally paid for what they consumed by giving a measure or + two of wine from the casks they were bringing, and which they + filled up with water, a very simple plan which seems to have + been in use for ages. It has several advantages; the owner of + the wine does not suffer by it, since he gets his full price in + town; the man who buys the wine in Rome does not suffer, + because he adds so much water to the wine before selling it + that a little more or less makes no difference; the public does + not suffer, as it is well known that wine is much better for + the health when drunk with plenty of water; and the carters do + not suffer, because nobody would think of interfering with + them. Moreover, they get food and drink for nothing.</p> + + <p>While the men were having supper in the inn, their carts + were guarded by their little woolly dogs, black, white, or + brown, and always terribly wide-awake and uncommonly fierce in + spite of their small size.</p> + + <p>Now, just at this time, there was one carter who had none, + and Regina knew it, for he was one of her chief admirers. He + was the hardest-drinking ruffian of all the men who came and + went on the Frascati road, and he had been quite willing to + sell his dog in the street to a gentleman who admired it and + offered him fifty francs for it, though that is a small price + for a handsome "lupetto." But Mommo happened to be deeper in + debt than usual, took the money, and cast about to steal + another dog that might serve him. So far he had not seen one to + his liking.</p> + + <p>It is the custom of the wine-carters, when they have had + plenty to eat and drink, to climb to their seats under the + fan-like goat-skin hoods of their carts, and to go to sleep, + wrapped in their huge cloaks. Their mules plod along and keep + out of the way of other vehicles without any guidance, and + their dogs protect them from thieves, who might steal their + money; for they always carry the sum necessary to pay the + octroi duty at the city gates, where every cart is stopped. As + they are on the road most of their lives, winter and summer, + they would not get much sleep if they tried to keep awake all + night; and they drink a good deal, partly because wine is + really a protection against the dangerous fever, and partly + because their drink costs them nothing. Some of them drank + their employers' wine at supper, others exchanged what they + brought for Paoluccio's, which they liked better.</p> + + <p>They usually got away about midnight, and Mommo was often + the last to go. It was a part of Regina's work to go down to + the cellar and draw the wine that was wanted from the hogsheads + when the host was too lazy to go down himself, and being quite + unwatched she could draw a measure from the oldest and + strongest if she chose. Mommo could easily be made a little + sleepier than usual, after being tempted to outstay the + others.</p> + + <p>And so it turned out that night. After the necessary + operation of tapping one of his casks and filling it up with + water, he lingered on before a measure of the best, while Nanna + and Paoluccio dozed in their chairs; and at last all three were + asleep.</p> + + <p>Then Regina went out softly into the dark summer night, and + climbed the stairs to the attic.</p> + + <p>"I am going to take you to Rome to-night," she whispered in + Marcello's ear.</p> + + <p>"Rome?" he repeated vaguely, half asleep.</p> + + <p>She wrapped him in the tattered blanket as he was, and + lifted him lightly in her arms. Down the stairs she bore him, + and then lifted him upon the tail of the cart, propping him up + as best she could, and passing round him the end of one of the + ropes that held the casks in place. He breathed more freely in + the open air, and she had fed him again before the carters came + to supper.</p> + + <p>"And you?" he asked faintly.</p> + + <p>"I shall walk," she whispered. "Now wait, and make no noise, + or they will kill you. Are you comfortable?"</p> + + <p>She could see that he nodded his head.</p> + + <p>"We shall start presently," she said.</p> + + <p>She went into the kitchen, waked Mommo, and made him swallow + the rest of his wine. He was easily persuaded that he had slept + too long, and must be on the road. The innkeeper and Nanna + grumbled a good-night as he went out rather unsteadily, + followed by Regina. A moment later the mules' bells jingled, + the cart creaked, and Mommo was off.</p> + + <p>Paoluccio and his wife made their way to the outer stairs + and to bed, leaving Regina to put out the lights and lock up + the kitchen. She lost no time in doing this, ran up the steps + in the dark, hung the key on its nail in the entry, and went to + her attic, making a loud noise with her loose slippers, so that + the couple might hear her. She came down again in her stockings + almost at once, carrying the slippers and a small bundle + containing her belongings. She made no noise now, though it was + almost quite dark, and in another instant she was out on the + road to Rome. It had all been done so quickly that she could + still hear the jingling of Mommo's mule bells in the distance. + She had only a few hundred yards to run, and she was walking at + the tail of the cart with one hand resting on Marcello's knee + as he lay there wrapped up in the ragged blanket.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_VII'></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> + + <p>It was clear dawn, and there was confusion at the Porta San + Giovanni. Mommo had wakened, red-eyed and cross as usual, a + little while before reaching the gate, and had uttered several + strange noises to quicken the pace of his mules. After that, + everything had happened as usual, for a little while; he had + stopped inside the walls before the guard-house of the city + customs, had nodded to the octroi inspectors, and had got his + money ready while the printed receipt was being filled out. + Then the excitement had begun.</p> + + <p>"You have a passenger," said one, and Mommo stared at him, + not understanding.</p> + + <p>"You have a dead man on behind!" yelled a small boy, + standing at safe distance.</p> + + <p>Mommo began to swear, but one of the inspectors stopped + him.</p> + + <p>"Get down," said the man. "The carabineers are coming."</p> + + <p>Mommo finished his swearing internally, but with increased + fervour. The small boy was joined by others, and they began to + jeer in chorus, and perform war-dances.</p> + + <p>"There is a tax on dead men!" they screamed. "You must + pay!"</p> + + <p>"May you all be butchered!" shouted Mommo, in a voice of + thunder. "May your insides be fried!"</p> + + <p>"Brute beast, without education!" hooted the biggest boy, + contemptuously.</p> + + <p>"I'll give you the education, and the instruction too," + retorted the carter, making at them with his long whip.</p> + + <p>They scattered in all directions, like a flock of cawing + jackdaws that fly a little way in tremendous haste, and then + settle again at a distance and caw louder than before.</p> + + <p>"Animal!" they yelled. "Animal! Animal and beast!"</p> + + <p>By this time a crowd had collected round the cart, and two + carabineers had come up to see what was the matter, quiet, + sensible men in extraordinary cocked hats and well-fitting + swallow-tailed uniforms of the fashion of 1810. The carabineers + are quite the finest corps in the Italian service, and there + are a good many valid reasons why their antiquated dress should + not be changed. Their presence means law and order without + unnecessary violence.</p> + + <p>Mommo was surly, but respectful enough. Yes, it was his + cart, and he was a regular carter on the Frascati road. Yes, + this was undoubtedly a sick man, who had climbed upon the cart + while Mommo was asleep. Of course he had slept on the road, all + carters did, and he had no dog, else no one would have dared to + take liberties with his cart. No, he had never seen the sick + man. The carabineers might send him to penal servitude for + life, tear out his tongue, cut off his ears and nose, load him + with chains, and otherwise annoy him, but he had never seen the + sick man. If he had seen him, he would have pulled him off, and + kicked him all the way to the hospital, where he ought to be. + What right had such brigands as sick men to tamper with the + carts of honest people? If the fellow had legs to jump upon the + cart, he had legs to walk. Had Mommo ever done anything wrong + in his life, that this should be done to him? Had he stolen, or + killed anybody, or tried to evade the octroi duty? No. Then why + should an ugly thief of a sick man climb upon his cart? The + wretch had hardly clothes enough to cover him decently—a + torn shirt and a pair of old trousers that he must have stolen, + for they were much too short for him! And so on, and so forth, + to the crowd, for the carabineers paid no more attention to him + after he had answered their first questions; but the crowd + listened with interest, the small boys drew near again, the + octroi inspectors looked on, and Mommo had a sympathetic + audience. It was the general opinion that he had been + outrageously put upon, and that some one had murdered the sick + man, and had tied the body to the cart in order that Mommo + should be accused of the crime, it being highly likely that a + murderer should take so much unnecessary trouble to carry his + victim and the evidence of his crime about with him in such a + very public manner.</p> + + <p>"If he were dead, now," observed an old peasant, who had + trudged in with a bundle on his back, "you would immediately be + sent to the galleys."</p> + + <p>This was so evident that the crowd felt very sorry for + Mommo.</p> + + <p>"Of course I should," he answered. "By this time to-morrow I + should have chains on my legs, and be breaking stones! What is + the law for, I should like to know?"</p> + + <p>Meanwhile, the carabineers had lifted Marcello very gently + from the cart and had carried him into the octroi guard-house, + where they set him in a chair, wrapped the ragged blanket round + his knees and waist, and poured a little wine down his throat. + Seeing that he was very weak, and having ascertained that he + had nothing whatever about him by which he could be identified, + they sent for the municipal doctor of that quarter of the + city.</p> + + <p>While they were busy within, one of the inspectors chanced + to look at the closed window, and saw the face of a handsome + girl pressed against the pane outside, and a pair of dark eyes + anxiously watching what was going on. The girl was so very + uncommonly handsome that the inspector went out to look at her, + but she saw him coming and moved away, drawing her cotton + kerchief half across her face. Regina's only fear was that + Mommo might recognise her, in which case she would inevitably + be questioned by the carabineers. It was characteristic of the + class in which she had been brought up, that while she + entertained a holy dread of being cross-questioned by them, she + felt the most complete conviction that Marcello was safe in + their hands. She had meant that he should somehow be taken off + the cart at the gate, probably by the inspectors, and conveyed + at once to the great hospital near by. She knew nothing about + hospitals, and supposed that when he was once there, she might + be allowed to come and take care of him. It would be easy, she + thought, to invent some story to account for her interest in + him. But she could do nothing until Mommo was gone, and he + might recognise her figure even if he could not see her + face.</p> + + <p>Finding that nothing more was wanted of him, and that he was + in no immediate danger of penal servitude for having been found + with a sick man on his cart, Mommo started his mules up the + paved hill towards the church, walking beside them, as the + carters mostly do within the city. The crowd dispersed, the + small boys went off in search of fresh matter for contemptuous + comment, and Regina went boldly to the door of the + guard-house.</p> + + <p>"Can I be of any use with the sick man?" she asked of the + inspector who had seen her through the window.</p> + + <p>The inspector prided himself on his gallantry and good + education.</p> + + <p>"Signorina," he said, lifting his round hat with a + magnificent gesture, "if you were to look only once at a dying + man, he would revive and live a thousand years."</p> + + <p>He made eyes at her in a manner he considered irresistible, + and replaced his hat on his head, a little on one side. Regina + had never been called "Signorina" before, and she was well + aware that no woman who wears a kerchief out of doors, instead + of a hat, is entitled to be addressed as a lady in Rome; but + she was not at all offended by the rank flattery of the speech, + and she saw that the inspector was a good-natured young + coxcomb.</p> + + <p>"You are too kind," she answered politely. "Do you think I + can be of any use?"</p> + + <p>"There are the carabineers," objected the inspector, as if + that were a sufficient answer. "But you may look in through the + door and see the sick man."</p> + + <p>"I have seen him through the window. He looks very ill."</p> + + <p>"Ah, Signorina," sighed the youth, "if I were ill, I should + pray the saints to send you—"</p> + + <p>He was interrupted by the arrival of the doctor, who asked + him what was the matter, and was at once led in by him. Regina + withdrew to a little distance in the direction of the church + and waited. The doctor had come in a cab, and in a few moments + she saw Marcello carried out and placed in it. Then she walked + as fast as she could towards the church, quite sure that the + cab would stop at the door of the hospital, and anxious to be + within sight of it. Everything had turned out well, even beyond + her expectations. The cab passed her at a brisk pace before she + reached the top of the hill, and though she walked as fast as + she could, it was no longer there when she had gone far enough + to see the door. The doctor, who was a busy man, had handed + Marcello over to the men on duty at the entrance, with an order + he had pencilled on his card while driving up, and had gone on + at once. But Regina was convinced that Marcello was there, as + she hurried forward.</p> + + <p>A man in blue linen clothes and a laced cap stopped her on + the steps and asked what she wanted.</p> + + <p>"A young man has just been brought here, very ill," she + explained, "and I want to see him."</p> + + <p>"A very young man? Fair? Thin? From the Campagna? In + rags?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. I want to see him."</p> + + <p>"You can see him to-morrow, if he is alive," answered the + orderly in a business-like tone.</p> + + <p>"To-morrow?" repeated Regina, in a tone of profound + disappointment.</p> + + <p>"To-morrow is Sunday. Friends and relatives can visit + patients on Sundays between nine and four."</p> + + <p>"But he has no other friends," pleaded Regina. "Please, + please let me go to him!"</p> + + <p>"To-morrow between nine and four."</p> + + <p>"No, no—to-day—now—he knows me—my + name is Regina."</p> + + <p>"Not if you were the Queen of the world," answered the + orderly, jesting with perfect calm. "You must have a written + order from the Superintendent."</p> + + <p>"Yes, yes! Let me see him!"</p> + + <p>"You can see him on Mondays between ten and twelve."</p> + + <p>"The day after to-morrow?" cried Regina in despair.</p> + + <p>"Yes, between ten and twelve, the day after to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"But I may come to-morrow without an order?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Friends and relatives can visit patients on Sundays + between nine and four."</p> + + <p>The man's imperturbability was exasperating, and Regina, who + was not patient, felt that if she stayed any longer she should + try to take him by the collar, shake him, and force her way in. + But she was much too sensible to do anything so rash. There was + no choice but to go away.</p> + + <p>"Thank you," she said, as she turned to go down the + steps.</p> + + <p>"You are welcome," the man answered very civilly, for he was + watching her and was reflecting that he had never seen such a + face and figure before.</p> + + <p>Some hours later, when the police communicated with the + Superintendent, and when he found that a woman had come to the + door who said that she knew the waif, and had been sent away, + he called the orderly who had been on duty several hard names + in his heart for having followed the rule of the hospital so + scrupulously. He was an antediluvian, he was a case of arrested + mental development, he was an ichthyosaurus, he was a new kind + of idiot, he was a monumental fool, he was the mammoth ass + reported to have been seen by a mediæval traveller in the + desert, that was forty cubits high, and whose braying was like + the blast of ten thousand trumpets. The Superintendent wished + he had time to select more choice epithets for that excellent + orderly, but the police seemed so particularly curious about + the new patient that he had no leisure for thinking out what he + wanted.</p> + + <p>Nevertheless, the man had done his duty and nothing more nor + less according to the rules, and Regina was forced to go away + discomfited.</p> + + <p>She walked a hundred yards or more down the hill, towards + San Clemente, and then stood still to think. The sun had risen, + and Marcello was safe, though she could not see him. That was + something. She stood there, young, strong, beautiful, and + absolutely penniless; and Rome was before her.</p> + + <p>For the first time since the previous evening she asked + herself what was to become of her, and how she was to find + bread for that day and for the next, and for all the days + afterwards. She would have robbed a church to feed Marcello, + but she would sooner have lost her right hand than steal so + much as a crust for herself. As for begging, she was too proud, + and besides, no one would have given her anything, for she was + the picture of health, her rough clothes were whole and clean, + she had tiny gold earrings in her ears, and the red and yellow + cotton kerchief on her head was as good as new. Nobody would + believe that she was hungry.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile Marcello was made comfortable in one of the narrow + white beds of an airy ward in the San Giovanni hospital. The + institution is intended for women only, but there is now a ward + for male patients, who are admitted when too ill to be taken + farther. The doctor on duty had written him down as much + reduced by malarious fever and wandering in his mind, but added + that he might live and get well. It was wonderful, the doctor + reflected for the thousandth time in his short experience, that + humanity should bear so much as it daily did.</p> + + <p>The visiting physician, who was a man of learning and + reputation, came three hours later and examined Marcello with + interest. The boy had not suffered much by sleeping on the tail + of the cart in the warm summer's night, and was now greatly + refreshed by the cleanliness and comparative luxury of his new + surroundings. He had no fever now and had slept quietly for two + hours, but when he tried to remember what had happened to him, + where he had been, and how he had come to the place where he + was, it all grew vague and intricate by turns, and his memories + faded away like the dreams we try to recall when we can only + just recollect that we have had a dream of some sort. He knew + that he was called Marcello, but the rest was gone; he knew + that a beautiful creature had taken care of him, and that her + name was Regina. How long? How many days and nights had he lain + in the attic, hot by day and cold at night? He could not guess, + and it tired him to try.</p> + + <p>The doctor asked two or three questions while he examined + him, and then stood quite still for a few seconds, watching him + intently. The two young house surgeons who accompanied the + great man kept a respectful silence, waiting for his opinion. + When he found an interesting case he sometimes delivered a + little lecture on it, in a quiet monotonous tone that did not + disturb the other patients. But to-day he did not seem inclined + to talk.</p> + + <p>"Convalescent," he said, "at least of the fever. He needs + good food more than anything else. In two days he will be + walking about."</p> + + <p>He passed on, but in his own mind he was wondering what was + the matter with the young man, why he had lost his memory, and + what accident had brought him alone and friendless to one of + the city hospitals. For the present it would be better to let + him alone rather than tire him by a thorough examination of his + head. There was probably a small fracture somewhere at the back + of the skull, the doctor thought, and it would be easy enough + to find it when the patient was strong enough to sit up.</p> + + <p>The doctor had not been long gone when an elderly man with a + grizzled moustache and thoughtful eyes was led to Marcello's + bedside by the Superintendent himself. The appearance of the + latter at an unusual hour was always an event in the ward, and + the nurses watched him with curiosity. They would have been + still more curious had they known that the elderly gentleman + was the Chief of the Police himself. The Superintendent raised + his hand to motion them away.</p> + + <p>"What is your name, sir?" asked the Chief, bending down and + speaking in a low voice.</p> + + <p>"Marcello."</p> + + <p>"Yes," replied the other, almost in a whisper, "you are + Marcello. But what else? What is your family name? It is very + important. Will you tell me?"</p> + + <p>The vague look came into Marcello's eyes, and then the look + of pain, and he shook his head rather feebly.</p> + + <p>"I cannot remember," he answered at last. "It hurts me to + remember."</p> + + <p>"Is it Consalvi?" asked the officer, smiling + encouragement.</p> + + <p>"Consalvi?" Marcello's eyes wandered, as he tried to think. + "I cannot remember," he said again after an interval.</p> + + <p>The Chief of Police was not discouraged yet.</p> + + <p>"You were knocked down and robbed by thieves, just after you + had been talking with Aurora," he said, inventing what he + believed to have happened.</p> + + <p>A faint light came into Marcello's eyes.</p> + + <p>"Aurora?" He repeated the name almost eagerly.</p> + + <p>"Yes. You had been talking to Signorina Aurora dell' Armi. + You remember that?"</p> + + <p>The light faded suddenly.</p> + + <p>"I thought I remembered something," answered Marcello. + "Aurora? Aurora? No, it is gone. I was dreaming again. I want + to sleep now."</p> + + <p>The Chief stood upright and looked at the Superintendent, + who looked at him, and both shook their heads. Then they asked + what the visiting doctor had said, and what directions he had + given about Marcello's treatment.</p> + + <p>"I am sure it is he," said the Chief of Police when they + were closeted in the Superintendent's office, five minutes + later. "I have studied his photograph every day for nearly + three months. Look at it."</p> + + <p>He produced a good-sized photograph of Marcello which had + been taken about a year earlier, but was the most recent. The + Superintendent looked at it critically, and said it was not + much like the patient. The official objected that a man who was + half dead of fever and had lain starving for weeks, heaven only + knew where, could hardly be quite himself in appearance. The + Superintendent pointed out that this was precisely the + difficulty; the photograph was not like the sick man. But the + Chief politely insisted that it was. They differed altogether + on this point, but quarrelled over it in the most urbane manner + possible.</p> + + <p>The Superintendent suggested that it would be easy to + identify Marcello Consalvi, by bringing people who knew him to + his bedside, servants and others. The official answered that he + should prefer to be sure of everything before calling in any + one else. The patient had evidently lost his memory by some + accident, and if he could not recall his own name it was not + likely that he could recognise a face. Servants would swear + that it was he, or not he, just as their interest suggested. + Most of the people of his own class who knew him were out of + town at the present season; and besides, the upper classes were + not, in the Chief's opinion, a whit more intelligent or + trustworthy than those that served them. The world, said the + Chief, was an exceedingly bad place. That this was true, the + Superintendent could not doubt, and he admitted the fact; but + he was not sure how the Chief was applying the statement of it + in his own reasoning. Perhaps he thought that some persons + might have an interest in recognising Marcello.</p> + + <p>"In the meantime," said the Chief, rising to go away, "we + will put him in a private room, where we shall not be watched + by everybody when we come to see him. I have funds from + Corbario to pay any possible expenses in the case."</p> + + <p>"Who is that man?" asked the Superintendent. "There has been + a great deal of talk about him in the papers since his stepson + was lost. What was he before he married the rich widow?"</p> + + <p>The Chief of Police did not reply at once, but lit a + cigarette preparatory to going away, smoothed his hat on his + arm, and flicked a tiny speck of dust from the lapel of his + well-made coat. Then he smiled pleasantly and gave his + answer.</p> + + <p>"I suppose that before he married Consalvi's widow he was a + gentleman of small means, like many others. Why should you + think that he was ever anything else?"</p> + + <p>To this direct question the Superintendent had no answer + ready, nor, in fact, had the man who asked it, though he had + looked so very wise. Then they glanced at each other and both + laughed a little, and they parted.</p> + + <p>Half an hour later, Marcello was carried to an airy room + with green blinds, and was made even more comfortable than he + had been before. He slept, and awoke, and ate and slept again. + Twice during the afternoon people were brought to see him. They + were servants from the villa on the Janiculum, but he looked at + them dully and said that he could not remember them.</p> + + <p>"We do not think it is he," they said, when questioned. "Why + does he not know us, if it is he? We are old servants in the + house. We carried the young gentleman in our arms when he was + small. But this youth does not know us, nor our names. It is + not he."</p> + + <p>They were dismissed, and afterwards they met and talked up + at the villa.</p> + + <p>"The master has been sent for by telegraph," they said one + to another. "We shall do what he says. If he tells us that it + is the young gentleman we will also say that it is; but if he + says it is not he, we will also deny it. This is the only + way."</p> + + <p>Having decided upon this diplomatic course as the one most + likely to prove advantageous to them, they went back to their + several occupations and amusements. But at the very first they + said what they really thought; none of them really believed the + sick youth at the hospital to be Marcello. An illness of nearly + seven weeks and a long course of privation can make a terrible + difference in the looks of a very young person, and when the + memory is gone, too, the chances of his being recognised are + slight.</p> + + <p>But the Chief of Police was not disturbed in his belief, and + after he had smoked several cigarettes very thoughtfully in his + private office, he wrote a telegram to Corbario, advising him + to come back to Rome at once. He was surprised to receive an + answer from Folco late that night, inquiring why he was wanted. + To this he replied in a second telegram of more length, which + explained matters clearly. The next morning Corbario + telegraphed that he was starting.</p> + + <p>The visiting physician came early and examined Marcello's + head with the greatest minuteness. After much trouble he found + what he was looking for—a very slight depression in the + skull. There was no sign of a wound that had healed, and it was + clear that the injury must have been either the result of a + fall, in which case the scalp had been protected by a stiff + hat, or else of a blow dealt with something like a sandbag, + which had fractured the bone without leaving any mark beyond a + bruise, now no longer visible.</p> + + <p>"It is my opinion," said the doctor, "that as soon as the + pressure is removed the man's memory will come back exactly as + it was before. We will operate next week, when he has gained a + little more strength. Feed him and give him plenty of air, for + he is very weak."</p> + + <p>So he went away for the day. But presently Regina came and + demanded admittance according to the promise she had received, + and she was immediately brought to the Superintendent's office, + for he had given very clear instructions to this effect in case + the girl came again. He had not told the Chief of Police about + her, for he thought it would be amusing to do a little + detective work on his own account, and he anticipated the + triumph of finding out Marcello's story alone, and of then + laying the facts before the authorities, just to show what + ordinary common sense could do without the intervention of the + law.</p> + + <p>Regina was ushered into the high cool room where the + Superintendent sat alone, and the heavy door closed behind her. + He was a large man with close-cropped hair and a short brown + beard, and he had kind brown eyes. Regina came forward a few + steps and then stood still, looking at him, and waiting for him + to speak. He was astonished at her beauty, and at once decided + that she had a romantic attachment for Marcello, and probably + knew all about him. He leaned back in his chair, and pointed to + a seat near him.</p> + + <p>"Pray sit down," he said. "I wish to have a little talk with + you before you go upstairs to see Marcello."</p> + + <p>"How is he?" asked Regina, eagerly. "Is he worse?"</p> + + <p>"He is much better. But sit down, if you please. You shall + stay with him as long as you like, or as long as it is good for + him. You may come every day if you wish it."</p> + + <p>"Every day?" cried Regina in delight. "They told me that I + could only come on Sunday."</p> + + <p>"Yes. That is the rule, my dear child. But I can give you + permission to come every day, and as the poor young man seems + to have no friends, it is very fortunate for him that you can + be with him. You will cheer him and help him to get well."</p> + + <p>"Thank you, thank you!" answered the girl fervently, as she + sat down.</p> + + <p>A great lady of Rome had been to see the Superintendent + about a patient on the previous afternoon; he did not remember + that she moved with more dignity than this peasant girl, or + with nearly as much grace. Regina swept the folds of her short + coarse skirt forward and sideways a little, so that they hid + her brown woollen ankles as she took her seat, and with the + other hand she threw back the end of the kerchief from her + face.</p> + + <p>"You do not mind telling me your name?" said the + Superintendent in a questioning tone.</p> + + <p>"Spalletta Regina," answered the girl promptly, putting her + family name first, according to Italian custom. "I am of Rocca + di Papa."</p> + + <p>"Thank you. I shall remember that. And you say that you know + this poor young man. Now, what is his name, if you please? He + does not seem able to remember anything about himself."</p> + + <p>"I have always called him Marcello," answered Regina.</p> + + <p>"Indeed? You call him Marcello? Yes, yes. Thank you. But, + you know, we like to write down the full name of each patient + in our books. Marcello, and then? What else?"</p> + + <p>By this time Regina felt quite at her ease with the + pleasant-spoken gentleman, but in a flash it occurred to her + that he would think it very strange if she could not answer + such a simple question about a young man she professed to know + very well.</p> + + <p>"His name is Botti," she said, with no apparent hesitation, + and giving the first name that occurred to her.</p> + + <p>"Thank you. I shall enter him in the books as 'Botti + Marcello.'"</p> + + <p>"Yes. That is the name." She watched the Superintendent's + pen, though she could not read writing very well.</p> + + <p>"Thank you," he said, as he stuck the pen into a little pot + of small-shot before him, and then looked at his watch. "The + nurse is probably just making him comfortable after the + doctor's morning visit, so you had better wait five minutes, if + you do not mind. Besides, it will help us a good deal if you + will tell me something about his illness. I suppose you have + taken care of him."</p> + + <p>"As well as I could," Regina answered.</p> + + <p>"Where? At Rocca di Papa? The air is good there."</p> + + <p>"No, it was not in the village." The girl hesitated a + moment, quickly making up her mind how much of the truth to + tell. "You see," she continued presently, "I was only the + servant girl there, and I saw that the people meant to let him + die, because he was a burden on them. So I wrapped him in a + blanket and carried him downstairs in the night."</p> + + <p>"You carried him down?" The Superintendent look at her in + admiration.</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes," answered Regina quietly. "I could carry you up + and down stairs easily. Do you wish to see?"</p> + + <p>The Superintendent laughed, for she actually made a movement + as if she were going to leave her seat and pick him up.</p> + + <p>"Thank you," he said. "I quite believe you. What a nurse you + would make! You say that you carried him down in the + night—and then? What did you do?"</p> + + <p>"I laid him on the tail of a cart. The carter was asleep. I + walked behind to the gate, for I was sure that when he was + found he would be brought here, and that he would have care, + and would get well."</p> + + <p>"Was it far to walk?" inquired the Superintendent, delighted + with the result of his efforts as a detective. "You must have + been very tired!"</p> + + <p>"What is it to walk all night, if one carries no load on + one's head?" asked Regina with some scorn. "I walk as I + breathe."</p> + + <p>"You walked all night, then? That was Friday night. I do not + wish to keep you, my dear child, but if you would tell me how + long Botti has been ill—" he waited.</p> + + <p>"This is the forty-ninth day," Regina answered at once.</p> + + <p>"Dear me! Poor boy! That is a long time!"</p> + + <p>"I stole eggs and wine to keep him alive," the girl + explained. "They tried to make me give him white beans and oil. + They wanted him to die, because he was an expense to them."</p> + + <p>"Who were those people?" asked the Superintendent, putting + the question suddenly.</p> + + <p>But Regina had gained time to prepare her story.</p> + + <p>"Why should I tell you who they are?" she asked. "They did + no harm, after all, and they let him lie in their house. At + first they hoped he would get well, but you know how it is in + the country. When sick people linger on, every one wishes them + to die, because they are in the way, and cost money. That is + how it is."</p> + + <p>"But you wished him to live," said the Superintendent in an + encouraging tone.</p> + + <p>Regina shrugged her shoulders and smiled, without the + slightest affectation or shyness.</p> + + <p>"What could I do?" she asked. "A passion for him had taken + me, the first time that I saw him. So I stole for him, and sat + up with him, and did what was possible. He lay in an attic with + only one blanket, and my heart spoke. What could I do? If he + had died I should have thrown myself into the water below the + mill."</p> + + <p>Now there had been no mill within many miles of the inn on + the Frascati road, in which there could be water in summer. + Regina was perfectly sincere in describing her love for + Marcello, but as she was a clever woman she knew that it was + precisely when she was speaking with the greatest sincerity + about one thing, that she could most easily throw a man off the + scent with regard to another. The Superintendent mentally noted + the allusion to the mill for future use; it had created an + image in his mind; it meant that the place where Marcello had + lain ill had been in the hills and probably near Tivoli, where + there is much water and mills are plentiful.</p> + + <p>"I suppose he was a poor relation of the people," said the + Superintendent thoughtfully, after a little pause. "That is why + they wished to get rid of him."</p> + + <p>Regina made a gesture of indifferent assent, and told + something like the truth.</p> + + <p>"He had not been there since I had been servant to them," + she answered. "It must have been a long time since they had + seen him. We found him early in the morning, lying unconscious + against the door of the house, and we took him in. That is the + whole story. Why should I tell you who the people are? I have + eaten their bread, I have left them, I wish them no harm. They + knew their business."</p> + + <p>"Certainly, my dear, certainly. I suppose I may say that + Marcello Botti comes from Rocca di Papa?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes," answered Regina readily. "You may say that, if + you like."</p> + + <p>As a matter of fact she did not care what he wrote in his + big book, and he might as well write one name as another, so + far as she was concerned.</p> + + <p>"But I never saw him there," she added by an afterthought. + "There are many people of that name in our village, but I never + saw him. Perhaps you had better say that he came from + Albano."</p> + + <p>"Why from Albano?" asked the Superintendent, surprised.</p> + + <p>"It is a bigger place," explained Regina quite + naturally.</p> + + <p>"Then I might as well write 'Rome' at once?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Why not? If you must put down the name of a town in + the book, you had better write a big one. You will be less + likely to be found out if you have made a mistake."</p> + + <p>"I see," said the Superintendent, smiling. "I am much + obliged for your advice. And now, if you will come with me, you + shall see Botti. He has a room by himself and is very well + cared for."</p> + + <p>The orderlies and nurses who came and went about the + hospital glanced with a little discreet surprise at the + handsome peasant girl who followed the Superintendent, but she + paid no attention to them and looked straight before her, at + the back of his head; for her heart was beating faster than if + she had run a mile uphill.</p> + + <p>Marcello put out his arms when he saw her enter, and + returning life sent a faint colour to his emaciated cheeks.</p> + + <p>"Regina—at last!" he cried in a stronger and clearer + tone than she had ever heard him use.</p> + + <p>A splendid blush of pleasure glowed in her own face as she + ran forward and leaned over him, smoothing the smooth pillow + unconsciously, and looking down into his eyes.</p> + + <p>The Superintendent observed that Marcello certainly had no + difficulty in recalling the girl's name, whatever might have + become of his own during his illness. What Regina answered was + not audible, but she kissed Marcello's eyes, and then stood + upright beside the bed, and laughed a little.</p> + + <p>"What can I do?" she asked. "It is a passion! When I see + him, I see nothing else. And then, I saved his life. Are you + glad that Regina saved your life?" She bent down again, and her + gentle hand played with Marcello's waving fair hair. "What + should you have done without Regina?"</p> + + <p>"I should have died," Marcello answered happily.</p> + + <p>With much more strength than she had been used to find in + him, he threw his arms round her neck and drew her face down to + his.</p> + + <p>The Superintendent spoke to the nurse in a low tone, by the + door, and both went out, leaving the two together. He was a + sensible man, and a kind-hearted one; and though he was no + doctor, he guessed that the peasant girl's glorious vitality + would do as much for the sick man as any medicine.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_VIII'></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + + <p>Corbario reached Rome in the afternoon, and the footman who + stood waiting for him on the platform was struck by the change + in his appearance. His eyes were hollow and bright, his cheeks + were sunken, his lips looked dry; moreover, he moved a little + nervously and his foot slipped as he got out of the carriage, + so that he nearly fell. In the crowd, the footman asked his + valet questions. Was he ill? What had happened to him? Was he + consuming himself with grief? No, the valet thought not. He had + been much better in Paris and had seen some old friends there. + What harm was there in that? A bereaved man needed diversion. + The change had come suddenly, when he had decided to return to + Rome, and he had eaten nothing for thirty-six hours. The valet + asked if the youth at the hospital, of whom Corbario had told + him, were really Marcello. The footman answered that none of + the servants thought so, after they had all been taken to see + him.</p> + + <p>Having exchanged these confidences in the half-dumb language + which servants command, they reached the gate. The footman + rushed out to call the carriage, the valet delivered the + tickets and followed the footman more slowly, carrying + Corbario's bag and coat, and Corbario lighted a cigar and + followed his man at a leisurely pace, absorbed in thought.</p> + + <p>Until the moment of passing the gate he had meant to drive + directly to the hospital, which is at some distance from the + station in a direction almost opposite to that of the + Janiculum. He could have driven there in ten minutes, whereas + he must lose more than an hour by going home first and then + coming back. But his courage failed him, he felt faint and + sick, and quite unable to bear any great emotion until he had + rested and refreshed himself a little. A long railway journey + stupefies some men, but makes others nervous and inclined to + exaggerate danger or trouble. During the last twelve hours + Corbario had been forcing himself to decide that he would go to + the hospital and know the worst at once, but now that the + moment was come he could not do it.</p> + + <p>He was walking slowly through the outer hall of the station + when a large man came up with him and greeted him quietly. It + was Professor Kalmon. Corbario started at the sound of his + voice. They had not met since Kalmon had been at the + cottage.</p> + + <p>"I wish I had known that you were in the train," the + Professor said.</p> + + <p>"So do I," answered Corbario without enthusiasm. "Not that I + am very good company," he added, looking sideways at the + other's face and meeting a scrutinising glance.</p> + + <p>"You look ill," Kalmon replied. "I don't wonder."</p> + + <p>"I sometimes wish I had one of those tablets of yours that + send people to sleep for ever," said Corbario, making a great + effort to speak steadily.</p> + + <p>But his voice shook, and a sudden terror seized him, the + abject fright that takes hold of a man who has been accustomed + to do something very dangerous and who suddenly finds that his + nerve is gone at the very moment of doing it again.</p> + + <p>The cold sweat stood on Folco's forehead under his hat; he + stopped where he was and tried to draw a long breath, but + something choked him. Kalmon's voice seemed to reach him from a + great distance. Then he felt the Professor's strong arm under + his own, supporting him and making him move forward.</p> + + <p>"The weather is hot," Kalmon said, "and you are ill and + tired. Come outside."</p> + + <p>"It is nothing," Corbario tried to say. "I was dizzy for a + moment."</p> + + <p>Kalmon and the footman helped him into his low carriage, and + raised the hood, for the afternoon sun was still very hot.</p> + + <p>"Shall I go home with you?" Kalmon asked.</p> + + <p>"No, no!" cried Corbario nervously. "You are very kind. I am + quite well now. Good-bye. Home!" he added to the footman, as he + settled himself back under the hood, quite out of sight.</p> + + <p>The Professor stood still in the glaring heat, looking after + the carriage, his travelling-bag in his hand, while the crowd + poured out of the station, making for the cabs and omnibuses + that were drawn up in rows, or crossing the burning pavement on + foot to take the tram.</p> + + <p>When the carriage was out of sight, Kalmon looked up at the + hot sky and down at the flagstones, and then made up his mind + what to do.</p> + + <p>"To the hospital of San Giovanni," he said, as he got into a + cab.</p> + + <p>He seemed to be well informed, for he inquired at the door + about a certain Marcello Botti, who was in a private room; and + when he gave his name he was admitted without even asking + permission of the Superintendent, and was at once led + upstairs.</p> + + <p>"Are you a friend of his, sir?" asked Regina, when he had + looked a long time at the patient, who did not recognise him in + the least.</p> + + <p>"Are you?" Kalmon looked at her quietly across the bed.</p> + + <p>"You see," she answered. "If I were not, why should I be + here?"</p> + + <p>"She has saved my life," said Marcello suddenly, and he + caught her hand in his and held it fast. "As soon as I am quite + well we shall be married."</p> + + <p>"Certainly, my dear boy, certainly," replied Kalmon, as if + it were quite a matter of course. "You must make haste and get + well as soon as possible."</p> + + <p>He glanced at Regina's face, and as her eyes met his she + shook her head almost imperceptibly, and smiled. Kalmon was not + quite sure what she meant. He made a sign to her to go with him + to the window, which was at some distance from the bed.</p> + + <p>"It may be long before he is well," he whispered. "There + must be an operation."</p> + + <p>She nodded, for she knew that.</p> + + <p>"And do you expect to marry him when he is recovered?"</p> + + <p>She shook her head and laughed, glancing at Marcello.</p> + + <p>"He is a gentleman," she whispered, close to Kalmon's ear. + "How could he marry me?"</p> + + <p>"You love him," Kalmon answered.</p> + + <p>Again she nodded, and laughed too.</p> + + <p>"What would you do for him?" asked Kalmon, looking at her + keenly.</p> + + <p>"Die for him!"</p> + + <p>She meant it, and he saw that she did. Her eyes shone as she + spoke, and then the lids drooped a little and she looked at him + almost fiercely. He turned from her and his fingers softly + tapped the marble window-sill. He was asking himself whether he + could swear to Marcello's identity, in case he should be called + upon to give evidence. On what could he base his certainty? Was + he himself certain, or was he merely moved by the strong + resemblance he saw, in spite of long illness and consequent + emaciation? Was the visiting surgeon right in believing that + the little depression in the skull had caused a suspension of + memory? Such things happened, no doubt, but it also happened + that doctors were mistaken and that nothing came of such + operations. Who could prove the truth? The boy and girl might + have a secret to keep; she might have arranged to get him into + the hospital because it was his only chance, but the rest of + the story, such as it was, might be a pure invention; and when + Marcello was discharged cured, they would disappear together. + There was the coincidence of the baptismal name, but men of + science know how deceptive coincidences can be. Besides, the + girl was very intelligent. She might easily have heard about + the real Marcello's disappearance, and she was clever enough to + have given her lover the name in the hope that he might be + taken for the lost boy at least long enough to ensure him a + great deal more comfort and consideration in the hospital than + he otherwise would have got; she was clever enough to have seen + that it would be a mistake to say outright that he was Marcello + Consalvi, if she was practising a deception. Kalmon did not + know what to think, and he wished the operation could be + performed before Corbario came; but that was impossible.</p> + + <p>Regina stood beside him, waiting for him to speak again.</p> + + <p>"Do you need money?" he asked abruptly, with a sharp look at + her face.</p> + + <p>"No, thank you, sir," she answered. "He has everything + here."</p> + + <p>"But for yourself?" He kept his eyes on her.</p> + + <p>"I thank you, sir, I want nothing." Her look met his almost + coldly as she spoke.</p> + + <p>"But when he is well again, how shall you live?"</p> + + <p>"I shall work for him, if it turns out that he has no + friends. We shall soon know, for his memory will come back + after the operation. The doctors say so. They know."</p> + + <p>"And if he has friends after all? If he is really the man I + think he is, what then? What will become of you?"</p> + + <p>"I do not know. I am his. He can do what he likes with + me."</p> + + <p>The Professor did not remember to have met any one who took + quite such an elementary view of life, but he could not help + feeling a sort of sympathy for the girl's total indifference to + consequences.</p> + + <p>"I shall come to see him again," he said presently, turning + back towards the bed and approaching Marcello. "Are you quite + sure that you never saw me before?" he asked, taking the young + man's hand.</p> + + <p>"I don't remember," answered Marcello, wearily. "They all + want me to remember," he added almost peevishly. "I would if I + could, if it were only to please them!"</p> + + <p>Kalmon went away, for he saw that his presence tired the + patient. When he was gone Regina sat down beside the bed and + stroked Marcello's hand, and talked soothingly to him, + promising that no one should tease him to remember things. By + and by, as she sat, she laid her head on the pillow beside him, + and her sweet breath fanned his face, while a strange light + played in her half-closed eyes.</p> + + <p>"Heart of my heart," she sighed happily. "Love of my soul! + Do you know that I am all yours, soul and body, and earrings + too?" And she laughed low.</p> + + <p>"You are the most beautiful woman in the world," Marcello + answered. "I love you!"</p> + + <p>She laughed again, and kissed him.</p> + + <p>"You love me better than Aurora," she said suddenly.</p> + + <p>"Aurora?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, for you have forgotten her. But you will not forget + Regina now, not even when you are very, very old, and your + golden hair is all grey. You will never forget Regina, + now!"</p> + + <p>"Never!" echoed Marcello, like a child. "Never, never, + never!"</p> + + <p>"Not even when your friends try to take me away from you, + love, not even if they try to kill me, because they want you to + marry Aurora, who is a rich girl, all dressed with silk and + covered with jewels, like the image of the Madonna at + Genazzano. I am sure Aurora has yellow hair and blue eyes!"</p> + + <p>"I don't want any one but you," answered Marcello, drawing + her face nearer.</p> + + <p>So the time passed, and it was to them as if there were no + time. Then the door opened again, and a very pale man in deep + mourning was brought in by the Superintendent himself. Regina + rose and drew back a little, so that the shadow should not fall + across Marcello's face, and she fixed her eyes on the gentleman + in black.</p> + + <p>"This is the patient," said the Superintendent in a low + voice.</p> + + <p>Corbario laid his hand nervously on his companion's arm, and + stood still for a moment, holding his breath and leaning + forward a little, his gaze riveted on Marcello's face. Regina + had never before seen a man transfixed with fear.</p> + + <p>He moved a step towards the bed, and then another, forcing + himself to go on. Then Marcello turned his head and looked at + him vacantly. Regina heard the long breath Corbario drew, and + saw his body straighten, as if relieved from a great burden. He + stood beside the bed, and put out his hand to take + Marcello's.</p> + + <p>"Do you know me?" he asked; but even then his voice was + unsteady.</p> + + <p>Instead of answering, Marcello turned away to Regina.</p> + + <p>"You promised that they should not tease me any more," he + said querulously. "Make them go away! I want to sleep."</p> + + <p>Regina came to his side at once, and faced the two men + across the bed.</p> + + <p>"What is all this for?" she asked, with a little + indignation. "You know that he cannot remember you, even if he + ever saw you before. Cannot you leave him in peace? Come back + after the operation. Then he will remember you, if you really + know him."</p> + + <p>"Who is this girl?" asked Corbario of the + Superintendent.</p> + + <p>"She took care of him when he had the fever, and she managed + to get him here. She has undoubtedly saved his life."</p> + + <p>At the words a beautiful blush coloured Regina's cheeks, and + her eyes were full of triumphant light; but at the same words + Corbario's still face darkened, and as if it had been a mask + that suddenly became transparent, the girl saw another face + through it, drawn into an expression of malignant and devilish + hatred.</p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:100%;"> +<a name="Moved"></a> +<img src="images/Illus151_Moved.jpg" width="400" height="588" alt="[Illustration: ]" /> +<p class="caption">"HE MOVED A STEP TOWARDS THE BED, AND THEN ANOTHER, FORCING + HIMSELF TO GO ON."</p> +</div> + + <p>The vision only lasted a moment, and the impenetrable pale + features were there once more, showing neither hate nor fear, + nor any feeling or emotion whatever. Corbario was himself + again, and turned quietly to the Superintendent.</p> + + <p>"She is quite right," he said. "His memory is gone, and we + shall only disturb him. You tell me that the doctors have found + a very slight depression in his head, as if from a blow. Do you + think—but it will annoy him—I had better not."</p> + + <p>"What do you mean?" asked the other, as he hesitated.</p> + + <p>"It is such a strange case that I should like to see just + where it is, out of pure curiosity."</p> + + <p>"It is here," said Regina, answering, and setting the tip of + one straight finger against her own head to point out the + place.</p> + + <p>"Oh, at the back, on the right side? I + see—yes—thank you. A little on one side, you + say?"</p> + + <p>"Here," repeated Regina, turning so that Corbario could see + exactly where the end of her finger touched her hair.</p> + + <p>"To think that so slight an injury may have permanently + affected the young man's memory!" Corbario appeared much + impressed. "Well," he continued, speaking to Regina, "if we + ever find out who he is, his relations owe you a debt of + gratitude quite beyond all payment."</p> + + <p>"Do you think I want to be paid?" asked Regina, and in her + indignation she turned away and walked to the window.</p> + + <p>But Marcello called her back.</p> + + <p>"Please, Regina—please tell them to go away!" he + pleaded.</p> + + <p>Corbario nodded to the Superintendent, and they left the + room.</p> + + <p>"There is certainly a strong resemblance," said Folco, when + they were outside, "but it really cannot be my poor Marcello. I + was almost too much affected by the thought of seeing him again + to control myself when we first entered, but when I came near I + felt nothing. It is not he, I am sure. I loved him as if he + were my own son; I brought him up; we were always together. It + is not possible that I should be mistaken."</p> + + <p>"No," replied the Superintendent, "I should hardly think it + possible. Besides, from what the girl has told me, I am quite + sure that he lay ill near Tivoli. How is it possible that he + should have got there, all the way from the Roman shore?"</p> + + <p>"And with a fractured skull! It is absurd!" Corbario was + glad to find that the Superintendent held such a strong + opinion. "It is not Marcello. The nose is not the same, and the + expression of the mouth is quite different."</p> + + <p>He said these things with conviction, but he was not + deceived. He knew that Marcello Consalvi was living and that he + had seen him, risen from the dead, and apparently likely to + remain among the living for some time. The first awful moment + of anxiety was past, it was true, and Folco was able to think + more connectedly than he had since he had received the telegram + recalling him from Paris; but there was to be another. The + doctors said that his memory would return—what would he + remember? It would come back, beginning, most probably, at the + very moment in which it had been interrupted. For one instant + he would fancy that he saw again what he had seen then. What + had he seen? That was the question. Had he seen anything but + the sand, the scrubby bushes, and the trees round the cottage + in the distance? Had he heard anything but the howling of the + southwest gale and the thundering of the big surf over the bar + and up the beach? The injury was at the back of his head, but + it was a little on one side. Had he been in the act of turning? + Had he turned far enough to see before the blow had + extinguished memory? How far was the sudden going out of + thought really instantaneous? What fraction of a second + intervened between full life and what was so like death? How + long did it take a man to look round quickly? Much less than a + second, surely! Without effort or hurry a man could turn his + head all the way from left to right, so as to look over each + shoulder alternately, while a second pendulum swung once. A + second was a much longer time than most people realised. + Instruments made for scientific photography could be made to + expose the plate not more than one-thousandth of a second. + Corbario knew that, and wondered whether a man's eye could + receive any impression in so short a time. He shuddered when he + thought that it might be possible.</p> + + <p>The question was to be answered sooner than he expected. The + doctors had reported that a week must pass before Marcello + would be strong enough to undergo the operation, but he + improved so quickly after he reached the hospital that it + seemed useless to wait. It was not considered to be a very + dangerous operation, nor one which weakened the patient + much.</p> + + <p>Regina was not allowed to be present, and when Marcello had + been wheeled out of his room, already under ether, she went and + stood before the window, pressing down her clasped hands upon + the marble sill with all her might, and resting her forehead + against the green slats of the blind. She did not move from + this position while the nurse made Marcello's bed ready to + receive him on his return. It was long to wait. The great clock + in the square struck eleven some time after he had been taken + away, then the quarter, then half-past.</p> + + <p>Regina felt the blood slowly sinking to her heart. She would + have given anything to move now, but she could not stir hand or + foot; she was cold, yet somehow she could not even shiver; that + would have been a relief; any motion, any shock, any violent + pain would have been a thousand times better than the marble + stillness that was like a spell.</p> + + <p>Far away on the Janiculum Folco Corbario sat in his splendid + library alone, with strained eyes, waiting for the call of the + telephone that stood on the polished table at his elbow. He, + too, was motionless, and longed for release as he had never + thought he could long for anything. A still unlighted cigar was + almost bitten through by his sharp front teeth; every faculty + was tense; and yet it was as if his brain had stopped thinking + at the point where expectation had begun. He could not think + now, he could only suffer. If the operation were successful + there would be more suffering, doubt still more torturing, + suspense more agonising still.</p> + + <p>The great clock over the stables struck eleven, then the + quarter, then half-past. The familiar chimes floated in through + the open windows.</p> + + <p>A wild hope came with the sound. Marcello, weak as he was, + had died under ether, and that was the end. Corbario trembled + from head to foot. The clock struck the third quarter, but no + other sound broke the stillness of the near noon-tide. Yes, + Marcello must be dead.</p> + + <p>Suddenly, in the silence, came the sharp buzz of the + instrument. He leapt in his seat as if something had struck him + unawares, and then, instantly controlling himself, he grasped + the receiver and held it to his ear.</p> + + <p>"Signor Corbario?" came the question.</p> + + <p>"Yes, himself."</p> + + <p>"The hospital. The operation has been successful. Do you + hear?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Go on."</p> + + <p>"The patient has come to himself. He remembers + everything."</p> + + <p>"Everything!" Corbario's voice shook.</p> + + <p>"He is Marcello Consalvi. He asks for his mother, and for + you."</p> + + <p>"How—in what way does he ask for me? Will my presence + do him good—or excite him?"</p> + + <p>The moment had come, and Folco's nerve was restored with the + sense of danger. His face grew cold and expressionless as he + waited for the answer.</p> + + <p>"He speaks most affectionately of you. But you had better + not come until this afternoon, and then you must not stay long. + The doctors say he must rest quietly."</p> + + <p>"I will come at four o'clock. Thank you. Good-bye."</p> + + <p>"Good-bye."</p> + + <p>The click of the instrument, as Folco hung the receiver on + the hook, and it was over. He shut his eyes and leaned back in + his chair, his arms hanging by his sides as if there were no + strength in them, and his head falling forward till his chin + rested on his chest. He remained so for a long time without + moving.</p> + + <p>But in the room at the hospital Marcello lay in bed with his + head bound up, his cheek on the pillow, and his eyes fixed on + Regina's face, as she knelt beside him and fanned him slowly, + for it was hot.</p> + + <p>"Sleep, heart of my heart," she said softly. "Sleep and + rest!"</p> + + <p>There was a sort of peaceful wonder in his look now. Nothing + vacant, nothing that lacked meaning or understanding. But he + did not answer her, he only gazed into her face, and gazed and + gazed till his eyelids drooped and he fell asleep with a smile + on his lips.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_IX'></a>CHAPTER IX</h2> + + <p>Two years had passed since Marcello had been brought home + from the hospital, very feeble still, but himself again and + master of his memory and thoughts.</p> + + <p>In his recollection, however, there was a blank. He had left + Aurora standing in the gap, where the storm swept inland from + the sea; then the light had gone out suddenly, in something + violent which he could not understand, and after that he could + remember nothing except that he had wandered in lonely places, + trying to find out which way he was going, and terrified by the + certainty that he had lost all sense of direction; so he had + wandered on by day and night, as in a dark dream, and had at + last fallen asleep, to wake in the wretched garret of the inn + on the Frascati road, with Regina kneeling beside him and + moistening his lips from a glass of water.</p> + + <p>He remembered that and other things, which came back to him + uncertainly, like the little incidents of his early childhood, + like the first words he could remember hearing and answering, + like the sensation of being on his mother's knee and resting + his head upon her shoulder, like the smell of the roses and the + bitter-orange blossoms in the villa, like the first sensation + of being set upon a pony's back in San Domenico, while Corbario + held him up in the saddle, and tried to make his little hands + hold the bridle. The inn was quite as far away as all that, and + but for Regina he might have forgotten it altogether.</p> + + <p>She was "Consalvi's Regina" now; half Rome called her that, + and she was famous. Naples and Florence and Milan had heard of + her; she had been seen at Monte Carlo, and even in Paris and + London her name was not unknown in places where young men + congregate to discuss the wicked world, and where young women + meet to compare husbands, over the secret and sacrificial + teapot which represents virtue, or the less sacred bridge-table + which represents vice. Smart young dandies who had never + exchanged a word with her spoke of her familiarly as "Regina "; + smarter and older men, who knew her a little, talked of her as + "the Spalletta," not without a certain respect; their mothers + branded her as "that creature," and their wives, who envied + her, called her "Consalvi's Regina."</p> + + <p>When people remonstrated with Folco Corbario for allowing + his stepson too much liberty, he shook his head gravely and + answered that he did what he could to keep Marcello in the + right way, but that the boy's intellect had been shaken by the + terrible accident, and that he had undoubtedly developed + vicious tendencies—probably atavistic, Folco added. Why + did Folco allow him to have so much money? The answer was that + he was of age and the fortune was his. But why had Folco let + him have it before he was twenty-one, ever since he was found + and brought home? He had not had much, was the reply; at least + it had not been much compared with the whole income he now + enjoyed one could not bring up the heir of a great estate like + a pauper, could one? So the questioners desisted from + questioning, but they said among themselves that, although + Folco had been an admirable husband and stepfather while his + wife had lived, he had not shown as much good sense after her + death as they had been led to expect. Meanwhile, no one had any + right to interfere, and Marcello did as he pleased.</p> + + <p>Children instinctively attach themselves to whichever of + their parents gives them the most liberty. It is sheer nonsense + to deny it. Marcello had loved his mother dearly, but she had + always been the one to hinder him from doing what he wished to + do, because she had been excessively anxious about his bodily + health, and over-desirous of bringing him up to manhood in a + state of ideal moral perfection. Folco, on the other hand, had + been associated with all the boy's sports and pleasures, and + had always encouraged him to amuse himself, giving as a reason + that there was no medicine like healthy happiness for a boy of + delicate constitution. Corbario, like Satan, knew the uses of + truth, which are numerous and not all good. Though Marcello + would not have acknowledged it to himself, his stepfather had + been nearer to him, and more necessary to him, than his mother, + during several years; and besides, it was less hard to bear the + loss of which he learned when he recovered, because it had + befallen him during that dark and uncertain period of his + illness that now seemed as if it had lasted for years, and + whereby everything that had been before it belonged to a remote + past.</p> + + <p>Moreover, there was Regina, and there was youth, and there + was liberty; and Corbario was at hand, always ready to + encourage and satisfy his slightest whim, on the plea that a + convalescent must be humoured at any cost, and that there would + be time enough to consider what should be done with Regina + after Marcello was completely recovered. After all, Corbario + told him, the girl had saved his life, and it was only right to + be grateful, and she should be amply rewarded for all the + trouble she had taken. It would have been sheer cruelty to have + sent her away to the country; and what was the cost of a quiet + lodging for her in Trastevere, and of a few decent clothes, and + of a respectable middle-aged woman-servant to take care of her? + Nothing at all; only a few francs, and Marcello was so rich! + Regina, also, was so very unusually well-behaved, and so + perfectly docile, so long as she was allowed to see Marcello + every day! She did not care for dress at all, and was quite + contented to wear black, with just a touch of some tender + colour. Corbario made it all very easy, and saw to everything, + and he seemed to know just how such things were arranged. He + was so fortunate as to find a little house that had a quiet + garden with an entrance on another street, all in very good + condition because it had lately been used by a famous foreign + painter who preferred to live in Trastevere, away from the + interruptions and distractions of the growing city; and by a + very simple transaction the house became the property of the + minor, Marcello Consalvi, to do with as he thought fit. This + was much more convenient than paying rent to a tiresome + landlord who might at any time turn his tenant out. Corbario + thought of everything. Twice a week a gardener came, early in + the morning, and soon the garden was really pretty; and the + respectable woman-servant watered the flowers every evening + just before sunset. There was a comfortable Calcutta chair for + Marcello in a shady corner, the very first time he came there, + and Regina had learned how to make tea for him; for the + respectable woman-servant knew how to do all sorts of things + belonging to civilised life. She was so intensely respectable + and quiet that Marcello was almost afraid of her, until it + occurred to him that as she took so much trouble, he ought to + give her a present of money; and when he had done this twice, + he somehow became aware that she was his devoted + slave—middle-aged and excessively respectable. Folco was + really a very good judge of character, Marcello thought, since + he could at once pick out such a person from the great horde of + the unemployed.</p> + + <p>Her name was Settimia, and it was wonderful to see how she + quietly transformed Regina into a civilised creature, who must + attract attention by her beauty and carriage, but who might + have belonged to a middle-class Roman family so far as manners + and dress were concerned. It is true that the girl possessed by + nature the innate dignity of the Roman peasant, with such a + figure and such grace as any aristocrat might have envied, and + that she spoke with the Roman accent which almost all other + Italians admire; but though her manners had a certain repose, + they were often of an extremely unexpected nature, and she had + an astonishingly simple way of calling things by their names + which sometimes disconcerted Marcello and sometimes amused him. + Settimia civilised her, almost without letting her know it, for + she was quick to learn, like all naturally clever people who + have had no education, and she was imitative, as all womanly + women are when they are obliged to adapt themselves quickly to + new surroundings. She was stimulated, too, by the wish to + appear well before Marcello, lest he should ever be ashamed of + her. That was all. She never had the least illusion about + herself, nor any hope of raising herself to his social level. + She was far too much the real peasant girl for that, the + descendant of thirty or more generations of serfs, the + offspring of men and women who had felt that they belonged body + and soul to the feudal lord of the land on which they were + born, and had never been disturbed by tempting dreams of + liberty, equality, fraternity, and the violent destruction of + ladies and gentlemen.</p> + + <p>So she lived, and so she learned many things of Settimia, + and looked upon herself as the absolute property of the man she + loved and had saved; and she was perfectly happy, if not + perfectly good.</p> + + <p>"When I am of age," Marcello used to say, "I shall buy a + beautiful little palace near the Tiber, and you shall live in + it."</p> + + <p>"Why?" she always asked. "Are we not happy here? Is it not + cool in summer, and sunny in winter? Have we not all we want? + When you marry, your wife will live in the splendid villa on + the Janiculum, and when you are tired of her, you will come and + see Regina here. I hope you will always be tired of her. Then I + shall be happy."</p> + + <p>Marcello would laugh a little, and then he would look grave + and thoughtful, for he had not forgotten Aurora, and sometimes + wondered what she was doing, as a young man does who is losing + his hold upon himself, and on the things in which he has always + believed. He who has never lived through such times and + outlived them, knows neither the world nor himself.</p> + + <p>Marcello wondered whether Aurora would ever meet Regina face + to face, and what would happen if he were called upon to choose + between the two. He would choose Regina, he said to himself, + when he was going down the steep way from the villa to the + little house, eager for her touch, her voice, her breath, and + feeling in his pocket the key that opened the garden gate. But + when the hours had passed, and he slowly walked up the road + under the great plane-trees, in the cool of the late evening, + glancing at the distant lights of Rome beyond the Tiber, and + dimly conscious that something was still unsatisfied, then he + hesitated and he remembered his boyish love, and fancied that + if he met Aurora in the way they would stand still, each + finding the other in the other's eyes, and silently kiss, as + they had kissed long ago. Yet, with the thought, he felt shame, + and he blushed, alone there under the plane-trees.</p> + + <p>But Aurora had never come back to Rome, and the small + apartment that overlooked the Forum of Trajan had other + tenants. It was strange that the Contessa and her daughter + should not have returned, and sometimes Marcello felt a great + longing to see them. He said "them" to himself at such times, + but he knew what he meant.</p> + + <p>So time went on. Corbario said that he himself must really + go to San Domenico, to look after the Calabrian property, but + added that it would be quite useless for Marcello to go with + him. Marcello could stay in Rome and amuse himself as he + pleased, or he might make a little journey to the north, to + Switzerland, to the Tyrol—there were so many places. + Settimia would take care of Regina, and perhaps Regina herself + had better make a little trip for a change. Yes, Settimia had + travelled a good deal; she even knew enough French to travel in + a foreign country, if necessary. Corbario said that he did not + know where she had learned French, but he was quite sure she + knew it tolerably well. Regina would be safe under her care, in + some quiet place where the air would do her good.</p> + + <p>Thereupon Corbario went off to the south, leaving Marcello + plentifully supplied with money and promising to write to him. + They parted affectionately.</p> + + <p>"If you wish to go away," Corbario said, as he was leaving, + "it might be as well to leave your next address, so that you + may get letters. But please don't fancy that I want to know + everything you do, my dear boy. You are quite old enough to + take care of yourself, and quite sensible enough, too. The only + thing you had better avoid for a few years is marriage!"</p> + + <p>Folco laughed softly as he delivered this piece of advice, + and lit a cigar. Then he looked critically at Marcello.</p> + + <p>"You are still very pale," he observed thoughtfully. "You + have not got back all your strength yet. Drink plenty of + champagne at luncheon and dinner. There is nothing like it when + a man is run down. And don't sit up all night smoking + cigarettes more than three times a week!"</p> + + <p>He laughed again as he shook hands and got into the + carriage, and Marcello was glad when he was gone, though he was + so fond of him. It was a bore to be told that he was not + strong, because it certainly was true, and, besides, even Folco + was sometimes a little in the way.</p> + + <p>In a week Marcello and Regina were in Venice; a month later + they were in Paris. The invaluable Settimia knew her way about, + and spoke French with a fluency that amazed Marcello; she even + taught Regina a few of those phrases which are particularly + useful at a dressmaker's and quite incomprehensible anywhere + else. Marcello told her to see that Regina was perfectly + dressed, and Settimia carried out his instructions with taste + and wisdom. Regina had arrived in Paris with one box of modest + dimensions; she left with four more, of a size that made the + railway porters stagger.</p> + + <p>One day Marcello brought home a string of pearls in his + pocket, and tried to fasten it round her throat; but she would + not let him do it. She was angry.</p> + + <p>"Keep those things for your wife!" she said, with flashing + eyes and standing back from him. "I will wear the clothes you + buy for me, because you like me to be pretty and I don't want + you to be ashamed of me. But I will not take jewels, for jewels + are money, just as gold is! You can buy a wife with that stuff, + not a woman who loves you!"</p> + + <p>Her brows were level and stern, her face grew whiter as she + spoke, and Marcello was suddenly aware, for the first time in + his life, that he did not understand women. That knowledge + comes sooner or later to almost every man, but many are spared + it until they are much older than he was.</p> + + <p>"I did not mean to offend you," he said, in a rather injured + tone, as he slipped the pearls into his pocket.</p> + + <p>"Of course not," she answered. "But you do not understand. + If I thought you did, I would go back to the inn and never see + you again. I should die, but it would not matter, for I should + still respect myself!"</p> + + <p>"I only wished to please you," said Marcello + apologetically.</p> + + <p>"You wish to please me? Love me! That is what I want. Love + me as much as you can, it will always be less than I love you, + and as long as you can, it will always be less long than I + shall love you, for that will be always. And when you are tired + of me, tell me so, heart of my heart, and I will go away, for + that is better than to hang like a chain on a young man's neck. + I will go away, and God will forgive me, for to love you is all + I know."</p> + + <p>His kisses closed her flashing eyes, and her lips parted in + a faint, expectant smile, that was not disappointed.</p> + + <p>So time passed, and Marcello heard occasionally from + Corbario, and wrote to him once or twice, when he needed money. + Folco never alluded to Regina, and Marcello wondered whether he + guessed that she had left Rome. He was never quite sure how + much Folco knew of his life, and Folco was careful never to ask + questions.</p> + + <p>But the existence Marcello was leading was not calculated to + restore his strength, which had never been great, even before + his illness. Though Regina did not understand the language, she + grew very fond of the theatre, for Marcello translated and + explained everything; and it was such a pleasure to give her + pleasure, that he forgot the stifling air and the late hours. + Moreover, he met in Paris a couple of acquaintances a little + older than himself, who were only too glad to see something of + the beautiful Regina, so that there were often supper-parties + after the play, and trips in motorcars in the morning, horse + races in the afternoon, and all manner of amusements, with a + general tendency to look upon sleep as a disease to be avoided + and the wish to rest as a foolish weakness. It was true that + Marcello never coughed, but he was very thin, and his delicate + face had grown perfectly colourless, though he followed + Corbario's advice and drank a good deal of champagne, not to + mention other less harmless things, because the quick stimulant + was as pleasant as a nap and did not involve such a waste of + time.</p> + + <p>As for Regina, the life suited her, at least for a while, + and her beauty was refined rather than marred by a little + bodily weariness. The splendid blush of pleasure rarely rose in + her cheeks now, but the clear pallor of her matchless + complexion was quite as lovely. The constitution of a healthy + Roman peasant girl does not break down easily under a course of + pleasure and amusement, and it might never have occurred to + Regina that Marcello was almost exhausted already, if her eyes + had not been opened to his condition by some one else.</p> + + <p>They were leaving the Théâtre Français + one evening, intending to go home on foot as the night was fine + and warm. They had seen <i>Hernani</i>, and Regina had + naturally found it hard to understand the story, even with + Marcello's explanations; the more so as he himself had never + seen the play before, and had come to the theatre quite sure + that it must be easily comprehensible from the opera founded on + it, which he had heard. Regina's arm was passed through his, + and as they made their way through the crowd, under the not + very brilliant lights in the portico, Marcello was doing his + best to make the plot of the piece clear, and Regina was + looking earnestly into his face, trying to follow what he said. + Suddenly he heard an Italian voice very near to him, calling + him by name, in a tone of surprise.</p> + + <p>"Marcello!"</p> + + <p>He started, straightened himself, turned his head, and faced + the Contessa dell' Armi. Close beside her was Aurora, leaning + forward a little, with an expression of cold curiosity; she had + already seen Regina, who did not withdraw her hand from + Marcello's arm.</p> + + <p>"You here?" he cried, recovering himself quickly.</p> + + <p>As he spoke, the Contessa realised the situation, and at the + same moment Marcello met Aurora's eyes. Regina felt his arm + drop by his side, as if he were disowning her in the presence + of these two smart women who were friends of his. She forgave + him, for she was strangely humble in some ways, but she hated + them forthwith.</p> + + <p>The Contessa, who was a woman of the world, nodded quietly + and smiled as if she had seen nothing, but she at once began to + steer her daughter in a divergent direction.</p> + + <p>"You are looking very ill," she said, turning her head back + as she moved away. "Come and see us."</p> + + <p>"Where?" asked Marcello, making half a step to follow, and + looking at the back of Aurora's head and at the pretty hat she + wore.</p> + + <p>The Contessa named a quiet hotel in the Rue Saint + Honoré, and was gone in the crowd. Marcello stood quite + still for a moment, staring after the two. Then he felt + Regina's hand slipping through his arm.</p> + + <p>"Come," she said softly, and she led him away to the + left.</p> + + <p>He did not speak for a long time. They turned under the + arches into the Palais Royal, and followed the long portico in + silence, out to the Rue Vivienne and the narrow Rue des Petits + Champs. Still Marcello did not speak, and without a word they + reached the Avenue de l'Opéra. The light was very bright + there, and Regina looked long at Marcello's face, and saw how + white it was.</p> + + <p>"She said you were looking very ill," said she, in a voice + that shook a little.</p> + + <p>"Nonsense!" cried Marcello, rousing himself. "Shall we have + supper at Henry's or at the Café de Paris? We are near + both."</p> + + <p>"We will go home," Regina answered. "I do not want any + supper to-night."</p> + + <p>They reached their hotel. Regina tossed her hat upon a chair + in the sitting-room and drew Marcello to the light, holding him + before her, and scrutinising his face with extraordinary + intensity. Suddenly her hands dropped from his shoulders.</p> + + <p>"She was right; you are ill. Who is this lady that knows + your face better than I?"</p> + + <p>She asked the question in a tone of bitterness and + self-reproach.</p> + + <p>"The Contessa dell' Armi," Marcello answered, with a shade + of reluctance.</p> + + <p>"And the girl?" asked Regina, in a flash of intuition.</p> + + <p>"Her daughter Aurora." He turned away, lit a cigarette, and + rang the bell.</p> + + <p>Regina bit her lip until it hurt her, for she remembered how + often he had pronounced that name in his delirium, many months + ago. She could not speak for a moment. A waiter came in answer + to the bell, and Marcello ordered something, and then sat down. + Regina went to her room and did not return until the servant + had come back and was gone again, leaving a tray on the + table.</p> + + <p>"What is the matter?" asked Marcello in surprise, as he + caught sight of her face.</p> + + <p>She sat down at a little distance, her eyes fixed on + him.</p> + + <p>"I am a very wicked woman," she said, in a dull voice.</p> + + <p>"You?" Marcello laughed and filled the glasses.</p> + + <p>"I am letting you kill yourself to amuse me," Regina said. + "I am a very, very wicked woman. But you shall not do it any + more. We will go away at once."</p> + + <p>"I am perfectly well," Marcello answered, holding out a + glass to her; but she would not take it.</p> + + <p>"I do not want wine to-night," she said. "It is good when + one has a light heart, but my heart is as heavy as a stone. + What am I good for? Kill me. It will be better. Then you will + live."</p> + + <p>"I should have died without you long ago. You saved my + life."</p> + + <p>"To take it again! To let you consume yourself, so that I + may see the world! What do I care for the world, if you are not + well? Let us go away quickly."</p> + + <p>"Next week, if you like."</p> + + <p>"No! To-morrow!"</p> + + <p>"Without waiting to hear Melba?"</p> + + <p>"Yes—to-morrow!"</p> + + <p>"Or Sarah Bernhardt in Sardou's new play?"</p> + + <p>"To-morrow! To-morrow morning, early! What is anything + compared with your getting well?"</p> + + <p>"And your new summer costume that Doucet has not finished? + How about that?"</p> + + <p>Marcello laughed gaily and emptied his glass. But Regina + rose and knelt down beside him, laying her hands on his.</p> + + <p>"We must go to-morrow," she said. "You shall say where, for + you know what countries are near Paris, and where there are + hills, and trees, and waterfalls, and birds that sing, where + the earth smells sweet when it rains, and it is quiet when the + sun is high. We will go there, but you know where it is, and + how far."</p> + + <p>"I have no doubt Settimia knows," laughed Marcello. "She + knows everything."</p> + + <p>But Regina's face was grave, and she shook her head + slowly.</p> + + <p>"What is the use of laughing?" she asked. "You cannot + deceive me, you know you cannot! I deceived myself and was + blind, but my eyes are open now, and I can only see the truth. + Do you love me, Marcello?"</p> + + <p>His eyes looked tired a moment ago, even when he laughed, + but the light came into them now. He breathed a little faster + and bent forward to kiss her. She could feel the rising pulse + in his thin hands. But she leaned back as she knelt, and + pressed her lips together tightly.</p> + + <p>"Not that," she said, after they had both been motionless + ten seconds. "I don't mean that! Love is not all kisses. There + is more. There are tears, but there is more too. There is pain, + there is doubting, there is jealousy, and more than that! There + is avarice also, for a woman who loves is a miser, counting her + treasure when others sleep. And she would kill any one who + robbed her, and that is murder. Yet there is more, there are + all the mortal sins in love, and even then there is worse. For + there is this. She will not count her own soul for him she + loves, no, not if the saints in Paradise came down weeping and + begging her to think of her salvation. And that is a great sin, + I suppose."</p> + + <p>Marcello looked at her, thinking that she was beautiful, and + he said nothing.</p> + + <p>"But perhaps a man cannot love like that," she added + presently. "So what is the use of my asking you whether you + love me? You love Aurora too, I daresay! Such as your man's + love is, and of its kind, you have enough for two!"</p> + + <p>Marcello smiled.</p> + + <p>"I do not love Aurora now," he said.</p> + + <p>"But you have, for you talked to her in your fever, and + perhaps you will again, or perhaps you wish to marry her. How + can I tell what you think? She is prettier than I, for she has + fair hair. I knew she had. I hate fair women, but they are + prettier than we dark things ever are. All men think so. What + does it matter? It was I that saved your life when you were + dying, and the people meant you to die. I shall always have + that satisfaction, even when you are tired of me."</p> + + <p>"Say never, then!"</p> + + <p>"Never? Yes, if I let you stay here, you will not have time + to be tired of me, for you will grow thinner and whiter, and + one day you will be breathing, and not breathing, and breathing + a little again, and then not breathing at all, and you will be + lying dead with your head on my arm. I can see how it will be, + for I thought more than once that you were dead, just like + that, when you had the fever. No! If I let that happen you will + never be tired of me while you are alive, and when you are dead + Aurora cannot have you. Perhaps that would be better. I would + almost rather have it so."</p> + + <p>"Then why should we go away?" asked Marcello, smiling a + little.</p> + + <p>"Because to let you die would be a great sin, much worse + than losing my soul for you, or killing some one to keep you. + Don't you see that?"</p> + + <p>"Why would it be worse?"</p> + + <p>"I do not know, but I am sure it would. Perhaps because it + would be losing your soul instead of mine. Who knows? It is not + in the catechism. The catechism has nothing about love, and I + never learned anything else. But I know things that I never + learned. Every woman does. How? The heart says them, and they + are true. Where shall we go to-morrow?"</p> + + <p>"Do you really want to leave Paris?"</p> + + <p>To impress upon him that she was in earnest Regina squeezed + his hands together in hers with such energy that she really + hurt him.</p> + + <p>"What else have I been saying for half an hour?" she asked + impatiently. "Do you think I am playing a comedy?" She laughed. + "Remember that I have carried you up and down stairs in my + arms," she added, "and I could do it again!"</p> + + <p>"If you insist on going away, I will walk," Marcello + answered with a laugh.</p> + + <p>She laughed too, as she rose to her feet. He put out his + hand to fill his glass again, but she stopped him.</p> + + <p>"No," she said, "the wine keeps you awake, and makes you + think you are stronger than you are. You shall sleep to-night, + and to-morrow we will go. I am so glad it is settled!"</p> + + <p>She could do what she would with him, and so it turned out + that Marcello left Paris without going to see the Contessa and + Aurora; and when he was fairly away he felt that it was a + relief not to be able to see them, since it would have been his + duty to do so if he had stayed another day. Maddalena dell' + Armi had not believed that he would come, but she stopped at + home that afternoon on the bare possibility. Aurora made up her + mind that if he came she would shut herself up in her own room. + She expected that he would certainly call before the evening, + and was strangely disappointed because he did not.</p> + + <p>"Who was that lady with him last night?" she asked of her + mother.</p> + + <p>"I do not know that—lady," answered the Contessa, with + a very slight hesitation before pronouncing the last word.</p> + + <p>But they had both heard of Regina already.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_X'></a>CHAPTER X</h2> + + <p>The Contessa wrote to Corbario two days later, addressing + her letter to Rome, as she did not know where he was. It was + not like her to meddle in the affairs of other people, or to + give advice, but this was a special case, and she felt that + something must be done to save Marcello; for she was a woman of + the world, with much experience and few illusions, and she + understood at a glance what was happening to her dead friend's + son. She wrote to Folco, telling him of the accidental meeting + in the portico of the Théâtre Français, + describing Marcello's looks, and saying pretty clearly what she + thought of the extremely handsome young woman who was with + him.</p> + + <p>Now Paris is a big city, and it chanced that Corbario + himself was there at that very time. Possibly he had kept out + of Marcello's way for some reason of his own, but he had really + not known that the Contessa was there. Her letter was forwarded + from Rome and reached him four days after it was written. He + read it carefully, tore it into several dozen little bits, + looked at his watch, and went at once to the quiet hotel in the + Rue Saint Honoré. The Contessa was alone, Aurora having + gone out with her mother's maid.</p> + + <p>Maddalena was glad to see him, not because she liked him, + for she did not, but because it would be so much easier to talk + of what was on her mind than to write about it.</p> + + <p>"I suppose you are surprised to see me," said Folco, after + the first conventional greeting.</p> + + <p>"No, for one may meet any one in Paris, at any time of the + year. When I wrote, I thought Marcello must be alone + here—I mean, without you," she added.</p> + + <p>"I did not know he had been here, until I heard that he was + gone. He left three or four days ago. I fancy that when you + wrote your letter he was already gone."</p> + + <p>"Do you let him wander about Europe as he pleases?" asked + the Contessa.</p> + + <p>"He is old enough to take care of himself," answered + Corbario. "There is nothing worse for young men than running + after them and prying into their affairs. I say, give a young + fellow his independence as soon as possible. If he has been + brought up in a manly way, with a feeling of self-respect, it + can only do him good to travel alone. That is the English way, + you know, and always succeeds."</p> + + <p>"Not always, and besides, we are not English. It is not + 'succeeding,' as you call it, in Marcello's case. He will not + live long, if you let him lead such a life."</p> + + <p>"Oh, he is stronger than he looks! He is no more threatened + with consumption than I am, and a boy who can live through what + happened to him two years ago can live through anything."</p> + + <p>Not a muscle of his face quivered as he looked quietly into + the Contessa's eyes. He was quite sure that she did not suspect + him of having been in any way concerned in Marcello's temporary + disappearance.</p> + + <p>"Suppose him to be as strong as the strongest," Maddalena + answered. "Put aside the question of his health. There is + something else that seems to me quite as important."</p> + + <p>"The moral side?" Corbario smiled gravely. "My dear lady, + you and I know the world, don't we? We do not expect young men + to be saints!"</p> + + <p>Maddalena, who had not always been a saint, returned his + look coldly.</p> + + <p>"Let us leave the saints out of the discussion," she said, + "unless we speak of Marcello's mother. She was one, if any one + ever was. I believe you loved her, and I know that I did, and I + do still, for she is very real to me, even now. Don't you owe + something to her memory? Don't you know how she would have felt + if she could have met her son the other night, as I met him, + looking as he looked? Don't you know that it would have hurt + her as nothing else could? Think a moment!"</p> + + <p>She paused, waiting for his answer and watching his + impenetrable face, that did not change even when he laughed, + that could not change, she thought; but she had not seen him by + Marcello's bedside at the hospital, when the mask had been gone + for a few seconds. It was there now, in all its calm + stillness.</p> + + <p>"You may be right," he answered, almost meekly, after a + little pause. "I had not looked at it in that light. You see, I + am not a very sensitive man, and I was brought up rather + roughly. My dear wife went to the other extreme, of course. No + one could really be what she wished to make Marcello. He felt + that himself, though I honestly did all I could to make him act + according to his mother's wishes. But now that she is + gone—" he broke off, and was silent a moment. "You may be + right," he repeated, shaking his head thoughtfully. "You are a + very good woman, and you ought to know."</p> + + <p>She leaned back in her chair, and looked at him in silence, + wondering whether she was not perhaps doing him a great + injustice; yet his voice rang false to her ear, and the old + conviction that he had never loved his wife came back with + increased force and with the certainty that he had been playing + a part for years without once breaking down.</p> + + <p>"I will join Marcello, and see what I can do," he said.</p> + + <p>"Do you know where he is?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes! He keeps me informed of his movements; he is very + good about writing. You know how fond of each other we are, + too, and I am sure he will be glad to see me. He is back in + Italy by this time. He was going to Siena. We were to have met + in Rome in about a month, to go down to San Domenico together, + but I will join him at once."</p> + + <p>"If you find that—that young person with him, what + shall you do?"</p> + + <p>"Send her about her business, of course," answered Folco + promptly.</p> + + <p>"Suppose that she will not go, what then?"</p> + + <p>"It can only be a question of money, my dear lady. Leave + that to me. Marcello is not the first young fellow who has been + in a scrape!"</p> + + <p>Still Maddalena did not trust him, and she merely nodded + with an air of doubt.</p> + + <p>"Shall I not see Aurora?" he asked suddenly.</p> + + <p>"She is out," answered the Contessa. "I will tell her that + you asked after her."</p> + + <p>"Is she as beautiful as ever?" inquired Folco.</p> + + <p>"She is a very pretty girl."</p> + + <p>"She is beautiful," Folco said, with conviction. "I have + never seen such a beautiful girl as she was, even when she was + not quite grown up. No one ever had such hair and such eyes, + and such a complexion!"</p> + + <p>"Dear me!" exclaimed Maddalena with a little surprise. "I + had no idea that you thought her so good-looking!"</p> + + <p>"I always did. As for Marcello, we used to think he would + never have eyes for any one else."</p> + + <p>"Young people who have known each other well as children + rarely fall in love when they grow up," answered Maddalena.</p> + + <p>"So much the better," Folco said. "Aurora and Marcello are + not at all suited to one another."</p> + + <p>"That is true," answered the Contessa.</p> + + <p>"And besides, he is much too young for her. They are nearly + of the same age."</p> + + <p>"I never thought of their marrying," replied Maddalena, with + a little emphasis, "and I should certainly not choose this time + to think of it!"</p> + + <p>"I fancy few men can look at your daughter without wishing + that they might marry her, my dear lady," said Corbario, rising + to go away. "Pray present my homage to her, and tell her how + very sorry I am not to have seen her."</p> + + <p>He smiled as if he were only half in earnest, and he took + his leave. He was scarcely gone when Aurora entered the + sitting-room by another door.</p> + + <p>"Was it Marcello?" she asked quietly enough, though her + voice sounded a little dull.</p> + + <p>"No, dear," answered her mother. "It was Folco Corbario. I + wrote to him some days ago and he came to see me. Marcello has + left Paris. I did not know you had come home."</p> + + <p>Aurora sat down rather wearily, pulled out her hatpins, and + laid her hat on her knee. Then she slowly turned it round and + round, examining every inch of it with profound attention, as + women do. They see things in hats which we do not.</p> + + <p>"Mamma—" Aurora got no further, and went on turning + the hat round.</p> + + <p>"Yes? What were you going to say?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing—I have forgotten." The hat revolved steadily. + "Are we going to stay here long?"</p> + + <p>"No. Paris is too expensive. When we have got the few things + we want we will go back to Italy—next week, I should + think."</p> + + <p>"I wish we were rich," observed Aurora.</p> + + <p>"I never heard you say that before," answered her mother. + "But after all, wishing does no harm, and I am silly enough to + wish we were rich too."</p> + + <p>"If I married Marcello, I should be very rich," said Aurora, + ceasing to turn the hat, but still contemplating it + critically.</p> + + <p>Maddalena looked at her daughter in some surprise. The + girl's face was quite grave.</p> + + <p>"You had better think of getting rich in some other way, my + dear," said the Contessa presently, with an asperity that did + not escape Aurora, but produced no impression on her.</p> + + <p>"I was only supposing," she said. "But if it comes to that, + it would be much better for him to marry me than that + good-looking peasant girl he has picked up."</p> + + <p>The Contessa sat up straight and stared at her in + astonishment. There was a coolness in the speech that + positively horrified her.</p> + + <p>"My dear child!" she cried. "What in the world are you + talking about?"</p> + + <p>"Regina," answered Aurora, looking up, and throwing the hat + upon the table. "I am talking about Marcello's Regina. Did you + suppose I had never heard of her, and that I did not guess that + it was she, the other night? I had a good look at her. I hate + her, but she is handsome. You cannot deny that."</p> + + <p>"I do not deny it, I'm sure!" The Contessa hardly knew what + to say.</p> + + <p>"Very well. Would it not be much better for Marcello if he + married me than if he let Regina marry him, as she will!"</p> + + <p>"I—possibly—you put it so strangely! But I am + sure Marcello will never think of marrying her."</p> + + <p>"Then why does he go about with her, and what is it all + for?" Aurora gazed innocently at her mother, waiting for an + answer which did not come. "Besides," she added, "the girl will + marry him, of course."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps. I daresay you are right, and after all, she may be + in love with him. Why should you care, child?"</p> + + <p>"Because he used to be my best friend," Aurora answered + demurely. "Is it wrong to take an interest in one's friends? + And I still think of him as my friend, though I have never had + a chance to speak to him since that day by the Roman shore, + when he went off in a rage because I laughed at him. I wonder + whether he has forgotten that! They say he lost his memory + during his illness."</p> + + <p>"What a strange girl you are! You have hardly ever spoken of + him in all this time, and now"—the Contessa laughed as if + she thought the idea absurd—"and now you talk of marrying + him!"</p> + + <p>"I have seen Regina," Aurora replied, as if that explained + everything.</p> + + <p>The Contessa returned no answer, and she was rather + unusually silent and preoccupied during the rest of that day. + She was reflecting that if Aurora had not chanced to meet + Marcello just when Regina was with him the girl might never + have thought of him again, except with a half-amused + recollection of the little romantic tenderness she had once + felt for the friend and playfellow of her childhood. Maddalena + was a wise woman now, and did not underestimate the influence + of little things when great ones were not far off. That is a + very important part of worldly wisdom, which is the science of + estimating chances in a game of which love, hate, marriage, + fortune, and social life and death may be the stakes.</p> + + <p>Her impulse was to prevent Aurora from seeing Marcello for a + long time, for the thought of a possible marriage had never + attracted her, and since the appearance of Regina on the scene + every instinct of her nature was against it. Her pride revolted + at the idea that her daughter might be the rival of a peasant + girl, quite as much as at the possibility of its being said + that she had captured her old friend's son for the sake of his + money. But she remembered her own younger years and she judged + Aurora by herself. There had been more in that little romantic + tenderness for Marcello than any one had guessed, much of it + had remained, it had perhaps grown instead of dying out, and + the sight of Regina had awakened it to something much stronger + than a girlish fancy.</p> + + <p>Maddalena remembered little incidents now, of which the + importance had escaped her the more easily because the loss of + her dearest friend had made her dull and listless at the time. + Aurora had scarcely asked about Marcello during the weeks that + followed his disappearance, but she had often looked pale and + almost ill just then. She had been better after the news had + come that he had been found, though she had barely said that + she was glad to hear of him. Then she had grown more restless + than she used to be, and there had sometimes been a dash of + hardness in the things she said; and her mother was now quite + sure that Aurora had intentionally avoided all mention of + Marcello. To-day, she had suddenly made that rather startling + remark about marrying him. All this proved clearly enough that + he had been continually in her thoughts. When very young people + take unusual pains to ignore a certain subject, and then + unexpectedly blurt out some very rough observation about it, + the chances are that they have been thinking of nothing else + for a long time.</p> + + <p>A good deal had happened on that afternoon, for what + Corbario had said about Aurora, half playfully and half in + earnest, had left Maddalena under the impression that he had + been trying a little experiment on his own account, to feel his + way. Aurora had more than once said in the preceding years that + she did not like his eyes and a certain way he had of looking + at her. He had admired her, even then, and now that he was a + widower it was not at all unlikely that he should think of + marrying her. He was not much more than thirty years old, and + he had a singularly youthful face. There was no objection on + the score of his age. He was rich, at least for his life-time. + He had always been called a model husband while his wife had + been alive, and was said to have behaved with propriety since. + Maddalena tried to look at the matter coolly and + dispassionately, as if she did not instinctively dislike him. + Why should he not wish to marry Aurora? No one of the + Contessa's acquaintances would be at all surprised if he did, + and most people would say that it was a very good match, and + that Aurora was fortunate to get such a husband.</p> + + <p>This was precisely what Folco thought; and as it was his + nature to think slowly and act quickly, it is not impossible + that he may have revolved the plan in his mind for a year or + two while Aurora was growing up. The final decision had perhaps + been reached on that evening down by the Roman shore, when + Professor Kalmon had held up to his eyes the sure means of + taking the first step towards its accomplishment; and it had + been before him late on the same night when he had stood still + in the verandah holding the precious and terrible little tablet + in the hollow of his hand; and the next morning when he had + suddenly seen Marcello close before him, unconscious of his + presence and defenceless. He had run a great risk in vain that + day, since Marcello was still alive, a risk more awful than he + cared to remember now; but it had been safely passed, and he + must never do anything so dangerous again. There was a far + safer and surer way of gaining his end than clumsy murder, and + from what the Contessa had told him of the impression she had + received the accomplishment was not far off. She had said that + Marcello had looked half dead; his delicate constitution could + not bear such a life much longer, and he would soon be dead in + earnest.</p> + + <p>Marcello did not write as regularly as Folco pretended, but + the latter had trustworthy and regular news of him from some + one else. Twice a week, wherever he might be, a square envelope + came by the post addressed in a rather cramped feminine hand, + the almost unmistakable writing of a woman who had seen better + days and had been put to many shifts in order to keep up some + sort of outward respectability. The information conveyed was + tolerably well expressed, in grammatical Italian; the only + names contained in the letters were those of towns, and hotels, + and the like, and Marcello was invariably spoken of as "our + dear patient," and Regina as "that admirable woman" or "that + ideal companion." The writer usually said that the dear patient + seemed less strong than a month ago, or a week ago, and + expressed a fear that he was slowly losing ground. Sometimes he + was better, and the news was accompanied by a conventional word + or two of satisfaction. Again, there would be a detailed + account of his doings, showing that he had slept uncommonly + little and had no appetite, and mentioning with a show of + regret the sad fact that he lived principally on cigarettes, + black coffee, and dry champagne. The ideal companion seemed to + be always perfectly well, showed no tendency to be extravagant, + and gave proof of the most constant devotion. The writer always + concluded by promising that Corbario's instructions with regard + to the dear patient should be faithfully carried out in future + as they had been in the past.</p> + + <p>This was very reassuring, and Folco often congratulated + himself on the wisdom he had shown in the selection of Settimia + as a maid for Regina. The woman not only did what was required + of her with the utmost exactitude; she took an evident pleasure + in her work, and looked forward to the fatal result at no very + distant time with all the satisfaction which Corbario could + desire. So far everything had gone smoothly.</p> + <hr /> + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_XI'></a>CHAPTER XI</h2> + + <p>It was high summer again, and the Roman shore was feverish. + In the hot afternoon Ercole had tramped along the shore with + his dog at his heels as far as Torre San Lorenzo to have a chat + with the watchman. They sat in the shade of the tower, smoking + little red clay pipes with long wooden stems. The chickens + walked about slowly, evidently oppressed by the heat and by a + general lack of interest in life, since not a single grain of + maize from the morning feed remained to be discovered on the + disused brick threshing-floor or in the sand that surrounded + it. From some dark recess came the occasional grunt of the pig, + attending in solitude to the business of getting fat before + October. Now and then the watchman's wife moved a chair in the + lower room of the tower, or made a little clatter with some + kitchen utensils, and the sounds came out to the solitude + sharply and distinctly.</p> + + <p>There had been a flat calm for several days. Forty yards + below the tower the sea lay along the sandy beach like a strip + of glistening white glass, beyond which was a broader band of + greenish blue that did not glitter; and beyond that, the oily + water stretched out to westward in an unending expanse of + neutral tints, arabesqued with current streaks and struck right + across by the dazzling dirty-white blaze of the August sun.</p> + + <p>Swarms of flies chased each other where the two men sat, + settled on their backs and dusty black hats, tried to settle on + their faces and were brushed away, crawled on the ground, on + the walls, even on the chickens, and on the rough coat of Nino, + the dog. He followed the motions of those he saw before him + with one bloodshot eye; the other seemed to be fast asleep.</p> + + <p>From time to time the men exchanged a few words. Ercole had + apparently come over to enjoy the novelty of seeing a human + being, and Padre Francesco, the watchman, was glad to talk with + some one besides his wife. He enjoyed the title of "Padre," + because he had once been master of a small martingane that + traded between Cività Vecchia and the south. In still + earlier days he had been in deep water and had been boatswain + of a square-rigger, yet there was nothing about his appearance + now to show that he had been a sailor man. It was ten years + since he had left the sea, and he had turned into a + peasant.</p> + + <p>Ercole had told Padre Francesco that the second hay crop had + been half spoilt by thunderstorms; also that the price of wine + in Ardea had gone up, while the price of polenta had remained + the same; also that a wild boar had broken out of the king's + preserves near Nettuno and was supposed to be wandering in the + brush not far away; also that if Ercole and Nino found him they + would kill him, and that there would be a feast. Padre + Francesco observed that his wife understood the cooking of wild + boar with vinegar, sugar, pine-nuts, and sweet herbs, and that + he himself knew how to salt the hams; he had also salted the + flesh of porpoises at sea, more than once, and had eaten + pickled dog-fish, which he considered to be nothing but young + sharks, in the West Indies. This did not interest Ercole much, + as he had heard it before, and he smoked in silence for a + while. So did Padre Francesco; and both brushed away the flies. + Nino rolled one bloodshot eye at his master, every time the + latter moved; and it grew excessively hot, and the air smelt of + chickens, rotten seaweed, and the pig. Yet both men were + enjoying themselves after a fashion, though Ercole distrusted + Padre Francesco, as he distrusted all human beings, and Padre + Francesco looked upon Ercole as a person having no knowledge of + the world, because he had never eaten pickled dog-fish in the + West Indies.</p> + + <p>After a time, Padre Francesco remembered a piece of news + which he had not yet told, cleared his throat, stirred the + contents of his pipe with the point of a dangerous-looking + knife, and looked at his companion for a full minute.</p> + + <p>"Speak," said Ercole, who understood these premonitory + signs.</p> + + <p>"There has been one here who asked after you," Padre + Francesco began.</p> + + <p>"What species of Christian?" inquired Ercole.</p> + + <p>"He was at the cottage when the blessed soul of the Signora + departed, or just before that. It is a big gentleman with a + brown beard and bright eyes. He looks for things in the sand + and in the bushes and amongst the seaweed. Who knows what he + looks for? Perhaps he looks for gold."</p> + + <p>"Or the souls of his dead," suggested Ercole with fine + irony. "But I know this Signore who was at the cottage, with + the brown beard and the bright eyes. He sometimes came to shoot + quail. He also killed some. He is a professor of wisdom."</p> + + <p>"He asked if I knew you, but of course I said I did not. Why + should he ask? How could I know what he wanted of you. I said + that I had never heard of you."</p> + + <p>"You did well. Those who have business with me know where to + find me. What else did he say?"</p> + + <p>"He asked if I had seen the young gentleman this year, and + he told me that he had not seen him since the night before he + was lost. So then I knew that he was a gentleman of some kind, + since he had been at the cottage. I also asked if your masters + were never coming to the Roman shore again."</p> + + <p>"What did he answer?" inquired Ercole, with an air of utter + indifference.</p> + + <p>"He said an evil thing. He said that your young gentleman + had gone off to foreign countries with a pretty peasant from + Frascati, whose name was Regina; that it was she who had nursed + him when he was ill, in some inn, and that out of gratitude, + and because she was very pretty, he had given her much money, + and silk dresses and earrings. That is what he said."</p> + + <p>Ercole gazed down at Nino's bloodshot eye, which was turned + to him just then.</p> + + <p>"A girl called Regina," Ercole grumbled, in a tone even + harsher than usual.</p> + + <p>"That is what he said. Why should he tell me one thing for + another? He said that your young gentleman would perhaps come + back when he was tired of Regina. And he laughed. That is + all."</p> + + <p>A low growl from Nino interrupted the conversation. It was + very low and long and then rose quickly and ended in a short + bark, as the dog gathered his powerful hindquarters suddenly + and raised himself, bristling all over and thrusting his sinewy + forepaws out before him. Then the growl began again, but Ercole + touched him lightly with the toe of his hob-nailed boot, and + the dog was instantly silent. Both men looked about, but no one + was to be seen.</p> + + <p>"There is a boat on the beach," said Padre Francesco, who + had caught the faint soft sound of the keel running upon the + sand.</p> + + <p>They both rose, Ercole picking up his gun as he did so; + Nino, seeing that his master was on the alert, slunk to his + heels without growling any more. A moment later a man's voice + was heard calling on the other side of the tower.</p> + + <p>"Hi! Watchman of the tower! A favour! Watchman of the tower! + Hi!"</p> + + <p>Padre Francesco turned the corner, followed by Ercole. A + sailor in scanty ragged clothes and the remains of a rush hat + was standing barefoot in the burning sand, with an earthen jug + in his hand. A battered boat, from which all traces of paint + had long since disappeared, was lying with her nose buried in + the sand, not moving in the oily water. Another man was in her, + very much like the first in looks.</p> + + <p>On seeing Nino at Ercole's heels, the man who was ashore + drew back with an exclamation, as if he were going to run away, + but Ercole spoke in a reassuring tone.</p> + + <p>"Be not afraid," he said. "This dog does not eat Christians. + He gets enough to eat at home. He is not a dog, he is a lamb, + and most affectionate."</p> + + <p>"It is an evil beast," observed the sailor, looking at Nino. + "I am afraid."</p> + + <p>"What do you desire?" inquired Padre Francesco politely. "Is + it water that you wish?"</p> + + <p>"As a favour," answered the man, seeing that the dog did not + fly at him. "A little water to drink. We have been pulling all + day; it is hot, and we have drunk what we had."</p> + + <p>"Come with me," said Padre Francesco. "Where is your + vessel?"</p> + + <p>"At Fiumicino. The master sent us on an errand to Porto + d'Anzio last night and we are going back."</p> + + <p>"It is a long pull," observed the watchman. "Tell the other + man to come ashore and rest in the shade. I also have been to + sea. The water is not very good here, but what there is you + shall have."</p> + + <p>"Thank you," said the man gratefully, and giving Nino a very + wide berth as he followed Padre Francesco. "We could have got + some water at the Incastro creek, but it would have been the + same as drinking the fever."</p> + + <p>"May the Madonna never will that you drink of it," said + Padre Francesco, as they reached the shady side of the tower. + "I see that you know the Roman shore."</p> + + <p>"It is our business," replied the man, taking off his ragged + rush hat, and rubbing his still more ragged blue cotton sleeve + over his wet forehead. "We are people of the sea, bringing wine + and lemons to Cività Vecchia and taking charcoal back. + Evil befall this calm weather."</p> + + <p>"And when it blows from the west-southwest we say, evil + befall this time of storm," said Padre Francesco, nodding + wisely. "Be seated in the shade. I will fetch water."</p> + + <p>"And also let us drink here, so that we may take the jug + away full."</p> + + <p>"You shall also drink here." The old watchman went into the + tower.</p> + + <p>"The last time I passed this way, it was in a west-southwest + gale," said the man, addressing Ercole, who had sat down in his + old place with his dog at his feet.</p> + + <p>"It is an evil shore," Ercole answered. "Many vessels have + been lost here."</p> + + <p>"We were saved by a miracle that time," said the sailor, who + seemed inclined to talk. "I was with a brigantine with wine for + Marseilles. That vessel was like a rock in the sea, she would + not move with less than seven points of the wind in fair + weather. We afterwards went to Rio Janeiro, and it was two + years before we got back."</p> + + <p>"So it was two years ago that you passed?" inquired + Ercole.</p> + + <p>"Two years ago May or the beginning of June. She was so low + in the water that she would have swamped if we had tried to + carry on sail, and with the sail she could carry she could make + no headway; so there we were, hove to under lower topsail and + balance-reefed mainsail and storm-jib, with a lee shore less + than a mile away. We recommended ourselves to the saints and + the souls of purgatory, and our captain said to us, 'My fine + sons, unless the wind shifts in half an hour we must run her + ashore and save the cargo!' That is what he said. But I said + that I knew this Roman shore from a boy, and that sometimes + there was no bar at the mouth of the Incastro, so that a vessel + might just slip into the pool where the reeds grow. You + certainly know the place."</p> + + <p>"I know it well," said Ercole.</p> + + <p>"Yes. So I pointed out the spot to our captain, standing + beside him, and he took his glasses and looked to see whether + the sea was breaking on the bar."</p> + + <p>"The bar has not been open since I came here," said Padre + Francesco, returning with water. "And that is ten years."</p> + + <p>The men drank eagerly, one after the other, and there was + silence. The one who had been speaking wiped his mouth with the + back of his hand and drew a long breath of satisfaction.</p> + + <p>"No, I daresay not," he said at last. "The captain looked + all along the shore for a better place. Then he saw a bad thing + with his glasses; for they were fine glasses, and though he was + old, he had good sight. And I stood beside him, and he told me + what he saw while he was looking."</p> + + <p>"What did he see?" asked Ercole, watching the man.</p> + + <p>"What did he see? I tell you it was a bad sight! Health to + us all, as many as are here, he saw one man kill another and + drag his body into some bushes."</p> + + <p>"Apoplexy!" observed Ercole, glancing at Padre Francesco. + "Are there brigands here?"</p> + + <p>"I tell you what the captain said. 'There are two men,' said + he, 'and they are like gentlemen by their dress.' 'They shoot + quail,' said I, knowing the shore. 'They have no guns,' said + he. Then he cried out, keeping his glasses to his eyes and + steadying himself by the weather vang. 'God be blessed,' he + cried—for he never said an evil word, that + captain,—'one of those gentlemen has struck the other on + the back of the head and killed him! And now he drags his body + away towards the bushes.' And he saw nothing more, but he + showed me the place, where there is a gap in the high bank. + Afterwards he said he thought he had seen a woman too, and that + it must have been an affair of jealousy."</p> + + <p>Ercole and Padre Francesco looked at each other in silence + for a moment.</p> + + <p>"Did you hear of no murder at that time?" asked the sailor, + taking up the earthen jar full of water.</p> + + <p>"We heard nothing," said Ercole promptly.</p> + + <p>"Nothing," echoed Padre Francesco. "The captain was + dreaming. He saw trees moving in the wind."</p> + + <p>"Don Antonino had good eyes," answered the sailor + incredulously.</p> + + <p>"What was the name of your vessel?" asked Padre + Francesco.</p> + + <p>"The <i>Papa</i>" replied the sailor without a smile. "She + was called <i>Papa</i>."</p> + + <p>Ercole stared at him a moment and then laughed; and he + laughed so rarely that it distorted the yellow parchment of his + face as if it must crack it. The sound of his laughter was + something like the creaking of a cart imitated by a + ventriloquist. But Padre Francesco knit his bushy brows, for he + thought the sailor was making game of him, who had been + boatswain on a square-rigger.</p> + + <p>"I went to sea for thirty years," he said, "but I never + heard of a vessel called the <i>Papa</i>. You have said a silly + thing. I have given you water to drink, and filled your jar. It + is not courtesy to jest at men older than you."</p> + + <p>"Excuse me," answered the man politely. "May it never be + that I should jest at such a respectable man as you seem to be; + and, moreover, you have filled the jar with your own hands. The + brigantine was called as I say. And if you wish to know why, I + will tell you. She was built by two rich brothers of Torre + Annunziata, who wished much good to their papa when he was old + and no longer went to sea. Therefore, to honour him, they + called the vessel the <i>Papa</i>. This is the truth."</p> + + <p>Lest this should seem extravagantly unlikely to the readers + of this tale, I shall interrupt the conversation to say that I + knew the <i>Papa</i> well, that "she" was built and christened + as the sailor said, and that her name still stood on the + register of Italian shipping a few years ago. She was not a + brigantine, however, but a larger vessel, and she was + bark-rigged; and she was ultimately lost in port, during a + hurricane.</p> + + <p>"We have learned something to-day," observed Ercole, when + the man had finished speaking.</p> + + <p>"It is true," the man said. "And the name of the captain was + Don Antonino Maresca. He was of Vico."</p> + + <p>"Where is Vico?" inquired Ercole, idly scratching his dog's + back with the stock of his gun.</p> + + <p>"Near Castellamare," answered Padre Francesco, willing to + show his knowledge.</p> + + <p>"One sees that you are a man of the sea," said the sailor, + meaning to please him. "And so we thank you, and we go."</p> + + <p>Ercole and the old watchman saw the two ragged sailors put + off in the battered boat and pull away over the bar; then they + went back to the shade of the tower and sat down again and + refilled their pipes, and were silent for a long time. Padre + Francesco's old wife, who had not shown herself yet, came and + stood in the doorway, nodded to Ercole, fanned herself with her + apron, counted the chickens in sight, and observed that the + weather was hot. Then she went in again.</p> + + <p>"It is easy to remember the name of that ship," said Ercole + at last, without glancing at his companion.</p> + + <p>"And the master was Antonino Maresca of Vico," said Padre + Francesco.</p> + + <p>"But the truth is that it is none of our business," said + Ercole.</p> + + <p>"The captain was mistaken," said Padre Francesco.</p> + + <p>"He saw trees moving in the wind," said Ercole.</p> + + <p>Then they looked at each other and nodded.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps the Professor was mistaken about the girl, and the + silk dress and the gold earrings," suggested Padre Francesco, + turning his eyes away.</p> + + <p>"He was certainly mistaken," asserted Ercole, watching him + closely. "And moreover it is none of our business."</p> + + <p>"None whatever."</p> + + <p>They talked of other things, making remarks at longer and + longer intervals, till the sun sank near the oily sea, and + Ercole took his departure, much wiser in regard to Marcello's + disappearance than when he had come. He followed the long beach + for an hour till he came to the gap in the bank. There he + stopped, and proceeded to examine the place carefully, going + well inside it, and then turning to ascertain exactly where + Marcello must have been when he was struck, since at that + moment he must have been distinctly visible from the + brigantine. The gap was so narrow that it was not hard to fix + upon the spot where the deed had been done, especially as the + captain had seen Marcello dragged quickly away towards the + bushes. Every word of the sailor's story was stamped with + truth; and so it came about that when Corbario believed himself + at last quite safe, a man in his own pay suddenly discovered + the whole truth about the attempted crime, even to the name of + the principal witness.</p> + + <p>It was only in the quail season, when there were poachers + about, during April, May, and early June, that Ercole lived in + his straw hut, a little way from the cottage. He spent the rest + of the year in a small stone house that stood on a knoll in + sight of Ardea, high enough to be tolerably safe from the + deadly Campagna fever. Every other day an old woman from the + village brought him a copper conca full of water; once a month + she came and washed for him. When he needed supplies he went to + Ardea for them himself. His dwelling was of elementary + simplicity, consisting of two rooms, one above the other, with + grated windows and heavy shutters. In the lower one he cooked + and ate, in the upper chamber he slept and kept his few + belongings, which included a plentiful supply of ammunition, + his Sunday clothes, his linen, and his papers. The latter + consisted of a copy of his certificate of birth, his old + military pass-book, showing that he had served his time in an + infantry regiment, had been called in for six weeks' drill in + the reserve, had been a number of years in the second reserve, + and had finally been discharged from all military service. This + booklet serves an Italian throughout life as a certificate of + identity, and is necessary in order to obtain a passport to + leave the country. Ercole kept his, with two or three other + yellow papers, tied up in an old red cotton handkerchief in the + bottom of the chest that held his clothes.</p> + + <p>When he got home after his visit to Padre Francesco he took + the package out, untied the handkerchief, and looked through + all the papers, one by one, sitting by the grated window in the + twilight. He could read, and had once been able to write more + or less intelligibly, and he knew by heart the contents of the + paper he wanted, though he had not unfolded it for years. He + now read it carefully, and held it some time open in his hand + before he put it back with the rest. He held it so long, while + he looked out of his grated window, that at last he could see + the little lights twinkling here and there in the windows of + Ardea, and it was almost dark in the room. Nino grew restless, + and laid his grim head on Ercole's knee, and his bloodshot eyes + began to glow in the dark like coals. Then Ercole moved at + last.</p> + + <p>"Ugly animal, do you wish me well?" he asked, rubbing the + dog's head with his knotty hand. "If you are good, you shall go + on a journey with me."</p> + + <p>Nino's body moved in a way which showed that he would have + wagged his tail if he had possessed one, and he uttered a + strange gurgling growl of satisfaction.</p> + + <p>The next morning, the old woman came before sunrise with + water.</p> + + <p>"You need not bring any more, till I let you know," Ercole + said. "I am going away on business for a few days, and I shall + shut up the house."</p> + + <p>"For anything that is in it, you might leave the door open," + grumbled the hag, who was of a sour temper. "Give me my pay + before you go."</p> + + <p>"You fear that I am going to America," retorted Ercole, + producing an old sheepskin purse from the inside of his + waistcoat. "Here is your money. Four trips, four pennies. Count + them and go in peace."</p> + + <p>He gave her the coppers, and she carefully tied them up in a + corner of her ragged kerchief.</p> + + <p>"And the bread?" she asked anxiously.</p> + + <p>Ercole went to the blackened cupboard, took out the remains + of a stale loaf, drew a big clasp-knife from his pocket, and + cut off a moderate slice.</p> + + <p>"Eat," he said, as he gave it to her.</p> + + <p>She went away grumbling, and Nino growled after her, + standing on the door-step. When she was a hundred yards from + the house, he lay down with his jaw on his forepaws and + continued to watch her till she was out of sight; then he gave + a snort of satisfaction and immediately went to sleep.</p> + + <p>Ercole left his home after sunset that evening. He locked + both the upper and lower doors and immediately dropped the huge + key into a crevice in the stone steps, from which one might + have supposed that it would not be easy to recover it; but he + doubtless knew what he was about. He might have had one of the + little horses from the farm if he had wanted one, for he was a + privileged person, but he preferred to walk. To a man of his + wiry frame thirty or forty miles on foot were nothing, and he + could easily have covered the distance in a night; but he was + not going so far, by any means, and a horse would only have + been in the way. He carried his gun, from force of habit, and + he had his gun-licence in his pocket, with his other papers, + tied up in the old red handkerchief. There was all that was + left of the stale loaf, with the remains of some cheese, in a + canvas bag, he had slung over his shoulder, and he had plenty + of money; for his wages were good, and he never spent more than + half of what he received, merely because he had no wants, and + no friends.</p> + + <p>Under the starlight he walked at a steady pace by familiar + paths and byways, so as to avoid the village and strike the + highroad at some distance beyond it. Nino followed close at his + heels and perfectly silent, and the pair might have been + dangerous to any one inclined to quarrel with them.</p> + + <p>When Ercole was in sight of Porta San Sebastiano it was past + midnight, and he stood still to fill and light his little clay + pipe. Then he went on; but instead of entering the gate he took + the road to the right again, along the Via Appia Nuova. Any one + might have supposed that he would have struck across to that + highroad some time before reaching the city, but it was very + long since Ercole had gone in that direction; many new roads + had been opened and some old ones had been closed, and he was + simply afraid of losing his way in a part of the Campagna no + longer familiar to him.</p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:100%;"> +<a name="Ercole"></a> +<img src="images/Illus206_Ercole.jpg" width="400" height="586" alt="[Illustration: ]" /> +<p class="caption">"ERCOLE LEFT HIS HOME AFTER SUNSET THAT EVENING"</p> +</div> + + <p>A short distance from the gate, where the inn stands that + goes by the name of Baldinotti, he took the turning to the + left, which is the Frascati road; and after that he walked more + slowly, often stopping and peering into the gloom to right and + left, as if he were trying to recognise objects in the + Campagna.</p> + <hr /> + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_XII'></a>CHAPTER XII</h2> + + <p>Corbario was not pleased with the account given by Settimia + in the letter she wrote him after reaching Pontresina with + Regina and Marcello, who had chosen the Engadine as the coolest + place he could think of in which to spend the hot months, and + had preferred Pontresina to Saint Moritz as being quieter and + less fashionable. Settimia wrote that the dear patient had + looked better the very day after arriving; that the admirable + companion was making him drink milk and go to bed at ten + o'clock; that the two spent most of the day in the pine-woods, + and that Marcello already talked of an excursion up the glacier + and of climbing some of the smaller peaks. If the improvement + continued, Settimia wrote, it was extremely likely that the + dear patient would soon be better than he had ever been in his + life.</p> + + <p>Folco destroyed the letter, lit a cigarette, and thought the + matter over. He had deemed it wise to pretend assent when the + Contessa had urged him to join Marcello at once, but he had not + had the least intention of doing so, and had come back to Paris + as soon as he was sure that the Contessa was gone. But he had + made a mistake in his calculations. He had counted on Regina + for the love of excitement, display, and inane dissipation + which women in her position very often develop when they find + that a man will give them anything they like; and he had + counted very little on her love for Marcello. Folco was still + young enough to fall into one of the most common errors of + youth, which is to believe most people worse than they are. + Villains, as they grow older, learn that unselfish devotion is + more common than they had thought, and that many persons + habitually speak the truth, for conscience' sake; finding this + out, villains have been known to turn into good men in their + riper years, and have sometimes been almost saints in their old + age. Corbario smoked his cigarette and mentally registered his + mistake, and it is to be feared that the humiliation he felt at + having made it was much more painful than the recollection of + having dropped one deadly tablet into a little bottle that + contained many harmless ones. He compared it in his mind to the + keen disappointment he had felt when he had gone down to hide + Marcello's body, and had discovered that he had failed to kill + him. It is true that what he had felt then had been accompanied + by the most awful terror he could imagine, but he distinguished + clearly between the one sensation and the other. There was + nothing to fear now; he had simply lost time, but that was bad + enough, since it was due to his own stupidity.</p> + + <p>He thought over the situation carefully and considered how + much it would be wise to risk. Another year of the life + Marcello had been leading in Paris would have killed him to a + certainty; perhaps six months would have done it. But a summer + spent at Pontresina, living as it was clear that Regina meant + him to live, would give the boy strength enough to last much + longer, and might perhaps bring him out of all danger.</p> + + <p>Corbario considered what might be done, went over many plans + in his mind, compared many schemes, for the execution of some + of which he might have paid dearly; and in the end he was + dissatisfied with all, and began over again. Still he reached + no conclusion, and he attributed the fault to his own dulness, + and his dulness to the life he had been leading of late, which + was very much that which he wished Marcello to lead. But he had + always trusted his nerves, his ingenuity, and his constitution; + if one of the three were to fail him, now that he was rich, it + was better that it should be his ingenuity.</p> + + <p>He made up his mind to go to the Engadine and see for + himself how matters looked. He could stay at Saint Moritz, or + even Samaden, so as not to disturb Marcello's idyl, and + Marcello could come down alone to see him. He should probably + meet acquaintances, and would give them to understand that he + had come in order to get rid of Regina and save his stepson + from certain destruction. Society was very lenient to young men + as rich as Marcello, he reflected, but was inclined to lay all + the blame of their doings on their natural guardians. There was + no reason why Corbario should expose himself to such criticism, + and he was sure that the Contessa had only said what many + people clearly thought, namely, that he was allowing Marcello + far too much liberty. The world should see that he was doing + his duty by the boy.</p> + + <p>He left Paris with regret, as he always did, after writing + to Marcello twenty-four hours beforehand. He wrote at the same + time to Settimia.</p> + + <p>"Folco will be here to-morrow," Marcello said, as he and + Regina sat under the pine-trees beyond the stream, a little way + above the town.</p> + + <p>Regina sat leaning against the trunk of a tree, and Marcello + lay on his side, resting on his elbow and looking up to her. He + saw her face change.</p> + + <p>"Why should he come here?" she asked. "We are so happy!"</p> + + <p>"He will not disturb us," Marcello answered. "He will stop + at Saint Moritz. I shall go down to see him there. I am very + fond of him, you know, and we have not seen each other for at + least two months. I shall be very glad to see him."</p> + + <p>The colour was sinking in Regina's face, and her eyelids + were almost closed.</p> + + <p>"You are the master," she said quietly enough. "You will do + as you will."</p> + + <p>He was surprised, and he felt a little resentment at her + tone. He liked her better when she dominated him, as on that + night in Paris when she had made him promise to come away, and + had refused to let him drink more wine, and had sent him to bed + like a child. Now she spoke as her forefathers, serfs born to + the plough and bound to the soil, must have spoken to their + lords and owners. There was no ancient aristocratic blood in + his own veins; he was simply a middle-class Italian gentleman + who chanced to be counted with the higher class because he had + been born very rich, had been brought up by a lady, and had + been more or less well educated. That was all. It did not seem + natural to him that she should call him "the master" in that + tone. He knew that she was not his equal, but somehow it was a + little humiliating to have to own it, and he often wished that + she were. Often, not always; for he had never been sure that he + should have cared to make her his wife, had she been ever so + well born. He scarcely knew what he really wanted now, for he + had lost his hold on himself, and was content with mere + enjoyment from day to day. He could no longer imagine living + without her, and while he was conscious that the present state + of things could not last very long, he could not face the + problem of the future.</p> + + <p>He did not answer at once, and she sat quite still, almost + closing her eyes.</p> + + <p>"Why should you be displeased because I am going to see + Folco?" he asked after a while.</p> + + <p>"He comes to take you away from me," she answered, without + moving.</p> + + <p>"That is absurd!" cried Marcello, annoyed by her tone.</p> + + <p>"No. It is true. I know it."</p> + + <p>"You are unreasonable. He is the best friend I have in the + world. Do you expect me to promise that I will never see him + again?"</p> + + <p>"You are the master."</p> + + <p>She repeated the words in the same dull tone, and her + expression did not change in the least. Marcello moved and sat + up opposite to her, clasping his hands round his knees. He was + very thin, but the colour was already coming back to his face, + and his eyes did not look tired.</p> + + <p>"Listen to me," he said. "You must put this idea out of your + head. It was Folco who found the little house in Trastevere for + you. He arranged everything. It was he who got you Settimia. He + did everything to make you comfortable, and he has never + disturbed us once when we have been together. He never so much + as asked where I was going when I used to go down to see you + every afternoon. No friend could have done more."</p> + + <p>"I know it," Regina answered; but still there was something + in her tone which he could not understand.</p> + + <p>"Then why do you say that he means to separate us?"</p> + + <p>Regina did not reply, but she opened her eyes and looked + into Marcello's long and lovingly. She knew something that he + did not know, and which had haunted her long. When Folco had + come to the bedside in the hospital, she had seen the abject + terror in his face, the paralysing fear in his attitude, the + trembling limbs and the cramped fingers. It had only lasted a + moment, but she could never forget it. A child would have + remembered how Folco looked then, and Regina knew that there + was a mystery there which she could not understand, but which + frightened her when she thought of it. Folco had not looked as + men do who see one they love called back from almost certain + death.</p> + + <p>"What are you thinking?" Marcello asked, for her deep look + stirred his blood, and he forgot Folco and everything in the + world except the beautiful creature that sat there, within his + reach, in the lonely pine-woods.</p> + + <p>She understood, and turned her eyes to the distance; and she + saw the quiet room in the hospital, the iron bedstead painted + white, the smooth pillow, Marcello's emaciated head, and + Corbario's face.</p> + + <p>"I was thinking how you looked when you were ill," she + answered simply.</p> + + <p>The words and the tone broke the soft little spell that had + been weaving itself out of her dark eyes. Marcello drew a + short, impatient breath and threw himself on his side again, + supporting his head on his hand and looking down at the brown + pine-needles.</p> + + <p>"You do not know Folco," he said discontentedly. "I don't + know why you should dislike him."</p> + + <p>"I will tell you something," Regina answered. "When you are + tired of me, you shall send me away. You shall throw me away + like an old coat."</p> + + <p>"You are always saying that!" returned Marcello, displeased. + "You know very well that I shall never be tired of you. Why do + you say it?"</p> + + <p>"Because I shall not complain. I shall not cry, and throw + myself on my knees, and say, 'For the love of heaven, take me + back!' I am not made like that. I shall go, without any noise, + and what must be will be. That is all. Because I want nothing + of you but love, I shall go when you have no more love. Why + should I ask you for what you have not? That would be like + asking charity of the poor. It would be foolish. But I shall + tell you something else."</p> + + <p>"What?" asked Marcello, looking up to her face again, when + she had finished her long speech.</p> + + <p>"If any one tries to make me go before you are tired of me, + it shall be an evil day for him. He shall wish that he had not + been born into this world."</p> + + <p>"You need not fear," Marcello said. "No one shall come + between us."</p> + + <p>"Well, I have spoken. It does not matter whether I fear + Signor Corbario or not, but if you like I will tell him what I + have told you, when he comes. In that way he will know."</p> + + <p>She spoke quietly, and there was no murderous light in her + eyes, nor any dramatic gesture with the words; but she was a + little paler than before, and there was an odd fixedness in her + expression, and Marcello knew that she was deeply moved, by the + way she fell back into her primitive peasant's speech, not + ungrammatical, but oddly rough and forcible compared with the + language of educated society which she had now learned + tolerably well from him.</p> + + <p>After that she was silent for a while, and then they talked + as usual, and the day went by as other days had gone.</p> + + <p>On the next afternoon Folco Corbario reached Saint Moritz + and sent a note up to Marcello asking him to come down on the + following morning.</p> + + <p>Regina was left alone for a few hours, and she went out with + the idea of taking a long walk by herself. It would be a relief + and almost a pleasure to walk ten miles in the clear air, + breathing the perfume of the pines and listening to the roar of + the torrent. Marcello could not walk far without being tired, + and she never thought of herself when he was with her; but when + she was alone a great longing sometimes came over her to feel + the weight of a conca full of water on her head, to roll up her + sleeves and scrub the floors, to carry burdens and work with + her hands all day long, as she had done ever since she was a + child, with the certainty of being tired and hungry and sleepy + afterwards. Her hands had grown smooth and white in a year, and + her feet were tender, and she had almost forgotten what bodily + weariness meant.</p> + + <p>But she was alone this morning, and she was full of gloomy + presentiments. To stay indoors, or even to go and sit in the + accustomed place under the pine-trees, would be unbearable. She + felt quite sure that when Marcello came back he would be + changed, that his expression would be less frank and natural, + that he would avoid her eyes, and that by and by he would tell + her something that would hurt her very much. Folco had come to + take him away, she was quite sure, and it would be intolerable + to sit still and think of it.</p> + + <p>She walked fast along the road that leads to the Rosegg + glacier, not even glancing at the few people she met, though + most of them stared at her, for almost every one in Pontresina + knew who she was. The reputation of a great beauty is soon + made, and Regina had been seen often enough in Paris alone with + Marcello in a box at the theatre, or dining with him and two or + three other young men at Ritz's or the Café Anglais, to + be an object of interest to the clever Parisian "chroniclers." + The papers had duly announced the fact that the beauty had + arrived at Pontresina, and the dwellers in the hotel were + delighted to catch a glimpse of her, while those at Saint + Moritz wished that she and Marcello had taken up their quarters + there instead of in the higher village. Old maids with shawls + and camp-stools glared at her round the edge of their parasols. + English girls looked at her in frank admiration, till they were + reproved by their mothers, who looked at her with furtive + interest. Young Englishmen pretended not to see her at all, as + they strode along with their pipes in their mouths; but they + had an odd habit of being about when she passed. An occasional + party of German students, who are the only real Bohemians left + to the world in these days of progress, went sentimentally mad + about her for twenty-four hours, and planned serenades in her + honour which did not come off. A fashionable Italian composer + dedicated a song to her, and Marcello asked him to dinner, for + which he was more envied by the summer colony than for his + undeniable talent. The Anglican clergyman declared that he + would preach a sermon against her wickedness, but the + hotel-keepers heard of his intention and unanimously requested + him to let her alone, which, he did, reluctantly yielding to + arguments which shall remain a secret. A certain Archduchess + who was at Saint Moritz and was curious to see her adopted the + simple plan of asking her to tea without knowing her, at which + Marcello was furious; a semi-imperial Russian personage + unblushingly scraped acquaintance with Marcello and was + extremely bland for a few days, in the hope of being introduced + to Regina. When he found that this was impossible, he went + away, not in the least disconcerted, and he was heard to say + that the girl "would go far."</p> + + <p>Regina would have been blind if she had not been aware that + she attracted all this attention, and as she was probably not + intended by nature for a saint, she would have been pleased by + it if there had been room in her thoughts for any one but + Marcello—even for herself.</p> + + <p>She walked far up the road, and after the first mile or two + she met no one. At that hour the people who made excursions + were already far away, and those who meant to do nothing stayed + nearer to Pontresina. She grew tired of the road after a time. + It led straight to the foot of the glacier, and she was not + attracted by snow and ice as northern people are; there was + something repellent to her in the thought of the bleakness and + cold, and the sunshine itself looked as hard as the distant + peaks on which it fell. But on the right there were rocky spurs + of the mountains, half covered with short trees and brilliant + with wild flowers that grew in little natural gardens here and + there, not far below the level of perpetual snow. She left the + road, and began to climb where there was no path. The air was + delicious with the scent of flowers and shrubs; there were + alp-roses everywhere, and purple gentian, and the little iva + blossom that has an aromatic smell, and on tiny moss ledges the + cold white stars of the edelweiss seemed to be keeping + themselves as far above reach as they could. But she climbed as + lightly as a savage woman, and picked them and sat down to look + at them in the sunshine. Just beyond where she rested, the rock + narrowed suddenly to a steep pass, within which were dark + shadows. People who do not attempt anything in the way of + ascending peaks often wander in that direction in search of + edelweiss, but Regina fancied that she was sure to be alone as + long as she pleased to stay.</p> + + <p>If she had not been sure of that she would not have taken + off her left shoe to shake out some tiny thing that had got + into it and that annoyed her. It turned out to be a bit of + pine-needle. It was pleasant to feel her foot freed from the + hot leather and resting on the thick moss, and so the other + shoe came off too, and was turned upside down and shaken, as an + excuse, for there was nothing in it, and both feet rested in + the moss, side by side. She wished she could take off her + stockings, and if there had been a stream she would have done + it, so sure was she that no one would disturb her, up there + amongst the rocks and ever so far from Pontresina. It would + have been delightful to paddle in the cold running water, for + it was much hotter than she had ever supposed that it could be + in such a place.</p> + + <p>She took off her straw hat, and fanned herself gently with + it, letting the sunshine fall full upon her thick black hair. + She had never owned a hat in her life till she had been + installed in the little house in Trastevere, and she hated the + inconvenient things. What was her hair for, if it could not + protect her head? But a straw hat made a very good fan. The air + was hot and still, and there were none of those thousand little + sounds which she would have heard in the chestnut woods above + Frascati.</p> + + <p>A little cry broke the silence, and she turned her head in + the direction whence it came. Then she dropped her hat, sprang + to her feet, and ran forwards, forgetting that she had no shoes + on. She saw a figure clinging to the rocks, where they suddenly + narrowed, and she heard the cry again, desperate with fear and + weak with effort. A young girl had evidently been trying to + climb down, when she had lost her footing, and had only been + saved from a bad fall because her grey woollen frock had caught + her upon a projecting point of granite, giving her time to + snatch at the strong twigs of some alp-roses, and to find a + very slight projection on which she could rest the toe of one + shoe. She was hanging there with her face to the rock, eight or + ten feet from the ground, which was strewn with big stones, and + she was in such a position that she seemed unable to turn her + head in order to look down.</p> + + <p>In ten seconds Regina was standing directly below the + terrified girl, raising herself on tiptoe, and trying to reach + her feet with her hands, to guide them to a hold; but she could + not.</p> + + <p>"Don't be frightened," Regina said in Italian, which was the + only language she knew.</p> + + <p>"I cannot hold on!" answered the girl, trying to look down, + but feeling that her foot would slip if she turned her head far + enough.</p> + + <p>"Yes, you can," Regina replied, too much roused to be + surprised that the answer had come in her own language. "Your + dress will hold you, even if you let go with your hands. It is + new and it is strong, and it is fairly caught on the rock. I + can see that."</p> + + <p>"But I can't hang here until you go and get help," cried the + girl, not much reassured.</p> + + <p>"I am going to climb to the top by an easier way and pull + you up again," Regina answered. "Then we can get down + together."</p> + + <p>While Regina was speaking she had already begun the ascent, + which was easy enough for her, at the point she had chosen, + though many an Alpine climber might have envied the quickness + and sureness of her hold with feet and hands. She realised that + she had forgotten her shoes now, and was glad that she had + taken them off.</p> + + <p>"One minute more!" she cried in an encouraging tone, when + she had almost reached the top.</p> + + <p>"Quick!" came the imploring answer.</p> + + <p>Then Regina was lying flat on the ledge above the girl, + stretching both hands down and catching the slender white + wrists with a hold like steel. And then, feeling herself held + and safe to move, the girl looked up, and Regina was looking + into Aurora's face below her. For one instant the two did not + recognise each other, for they had only seen each other once, + by night, under the portico of the Théâtre + Français. But an instant later a flush of anger rose to + Aurora's forehead, and the dark woman turned pale, and her + brows were suddenly level and stern. They hated each other, as + the one hung there held by the other's hands, and the black + eyes gazed savagely into the angry blue ones. Aurora was not + frightened any longer; she was angry because she was in + Regina's power. The strong woman could save her if she would, + and Aurora would despise herself ever afterwards for having + been saved by her. Or the strong woman could let her fall, and + she would probably be maimed for life if she were not killed + outright. That seemed almost better. She had never understood + before what it could mean to be altogether in the power of an + enemy.</p> + + <p>Regina meant to save her; that was clear. With quick, + commanding words she told her what to do.</p> + + <p>"Set your knees against the rock and pull yourself up a + little by my hands. So! I can pull you higher now. Get one knee + well on that ledge. Now I will hold your left hand with both + mine while you disentangle your frock from the point. Now put + your right hand round my neck while I raise myself a little. + Yes, that way. Now, hold on tight!"</p> + + <p>Regina made a steady effort, lifting fully half Aurora's + weight with her, as she got first upon one knee and then upon + both.</p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:100%;"> +<a name="Regina"></a> +<img src="images/Illus223_Regina.jpg" width="400" height="588" alt="[Illustration: ]" /> +<p class="caption">"REGINA MADE A STEADY EFFORT, LIFTING FULLY HALF AURORA'S + WEIGHT WITH HER."</p> +</div> + + <p>"There! Take breath and then scramble over the edge," she + said.</p> + + <p>A few seconds, another effort, and Aurora sank exhausted + beside Regina, half sitting, half lying, and resting on one + hand.</p> + + <p>She looked up sideways at the dark woman's face; for Regina + stood upright, gazing down into the valley. Aurora turned her + eyes away, and then looked up again; she had recovered her + breath now.</p> + + <p>"Thank you," she said, with an effort.</p> + + <p>"It is nothing," Regina answered in an indifferent tone, and + without so much as moving her head; she was no more out of + breath than if she had been sitting still.</p> + + <p>The fair girl hated her at that moment as she had never + hated any one in her short life, nor had ever dreamed of + hating. The flush of anger rose again and again to her + forehead, to the very roots of her auburn hair, and lingered a + second and sank again. Regina stood perfectly motionless, her + face as unchanging as marble.</p> + + <p>Aurora rose to her feet, and leaned against the rock. She + had suddenly felt herself at a disadvantage in remaining seated + on the ground while her adversary was standing. It was the + instinct of the animal that expects to be attacked. When two + people who hate each other or love each other very much meet + without warning in a very lonely place, the fierce old passions + of the stone age may take hold of them and sway them, even + nowadays.</p> + + <p>For a time that seemed long, there was silence; without + words each knew that the other had recognised her. The peasant + woman spoke first, though with an evident effort, and without + turning her eyes.</p> + + <p>"When you are rested, we will go down," she said.</p> + + <p>Aurora moved a step towards the side on which Regina had + climbed up.</p> + + <p>"I think I can get down alone," she answered coldly.</p> + + <p>Regina looked at her and laughed with a little contempt.</p> + + <p>"You will break your neck if you try," she said. "You cannot + climb at all!"</p> + + <p>"I think I can get down," Aurora repeated.</p> + + <p>She went to the edge and was going to begin the attempt when + Regina seized her by the wrist and dragged her back in spite of + her resistance.</p> + + <p>"I have something to tell you first," Regina said. + "Afterwards I will take you down, and you shall not fall. You + shall reach the bottom safely and go home alone, or I will show + you the way, as you please."</p> + + <p>"Let go of my wrist!" Aurora spoke angrily, for the strong + grasp hurt her and humiliated her.</p> + + <p>"Listen to me," continued Regina, loosing her hold at once. + "I am Regina. You are Aurora. We have heard of each other, and + we have met. Let us talk. This is a good place and we are + alone, and the day is long, and we may not meet again soon. We + will say what we have to say now, and then we will part."</p> + + <p>"What is there to be said?" Aurora asked coldly and drawing + back a little.</p> + + <p>"We two love the same man," Regina said. "Is that nothing? + You know it is true. If we were not Christians we should try to + kill each other here, where it is quiet. I could easily have + killed you just now, and I wished to."</p> + + <p>"I wonder why you did not!" exclaimed Aurora, rather + scornfully.</p> + + <p>"I thought with myself thus: 'If I kill her, I shall always + have the satisfaction of it as long as I live. This is the + truth. But I shall go to prison for many years and shall not + see him again, therefore I will not do it. Besides, it will not + please him. If it would make him happy I would kill her, even + if I were to go to the galleys for it. But it would not. He + would be very angry.' This is what I thought; and I pulled you + up. And now, I will not let you hurt yourself in getting down, + because he would be angry with me if he knew that it was my + fault."</p> + + <p>Aurora listened to this extraordinary argument in silent + surprise. She was not in the least frightened, but she saw at a + glance that Regina was quite in earnest, and she knew her own + people, and that the Roman peasants are not the gentlest of the + Italians.</p> + + <p>"He would be very angry," Regina repeated. "I am sure he + would!"</p> + + <p>"Why should he be angry?" Aurora asked, in a tone half + contemptuous and yet half sad.</p> + + <p>"I know he would, because when he raved in his fever he used + to call for you."</p> + + <p>Aurora started and fixed her eyes on Regina's.</p> + + <p>"Yes," Regina said, answering the look. "He often called you + by name. He loved you once."</p> + + <p>She pronounced the words with an accent of pity, drawing + herself up to her full height; and there was triumph in the + light of her eyes. It is not every woman that has a chance of + saying so much to her rival.</p> + + <p>"We were children then," Aurora said, in the very words she + had used to her mother more than two years earlier.</p> + + <p>She was almost as pale as Regina now, for the thrust had + been straight and sure, and right at her heart. But she was + prouder than the peasant woman who had wounded her.</p> + + <p>"I have heard that you saved his life," she said presently. + "And he loves you. You are happy!"</p> + + <p>"I should always be happy if he and I were alone in the + world," Regina answered, for she was a little softened by the + girl's tone. "But even now they are trying to part us."</p> + + <p>"To part you?" Again Aurora looked up suddenly. "Who is + trying to do that? A woman?"</p> + + <p>Regina laughed a little.</p> + + <p>"You are jealous," she said. "That shows that you love him + still. No. It is not a woman."</p> + + <p>"Corbario?" The name rose instinctively to Aurora's + lips.</p> + + <p>"Yes," Regina answered. "That is why I am left alone this + morning. Signor Corbario is at Saint Moritz and Marcello is + gone down to see him. I know he is trying to separate us. You + did not know that he was so near?"</p> + + <p>"We only came yesterday afternoon," Aurora answered. "We did + not know that—that Signor Consalvi was here, or we should + not have come at all."</p> + + <p>It had stung her to hear Regina speak of him quite naturally + by his first name. Regina felt the rebuke.</p> + + <p>"I am truly sorry that I should have accidentally found + myself in your path," she said, emphasising the rather grand + phrase, and holding her handsome head very high.</p> + + <p>Aurora almost smiled at this sudden manifestation of the + peasant's nature, and wondered whether Regina ever said such + things to Marcello, and whether, if she did, they jarred on him + very much. The speech had the very curious effect of restoring + Aurora's sense of superiority, and she answered more + kindly.</p> + + <p>"You need not be sorry," she said. "If you had not chanced + to be here I should probably be lying amongst the rocks down + there with several broken bones."</p> + + <p>"If it were not by my fault I should not care," Regina + retorted, with elementary frankness.</p> + + <p>"But I should!" Aurora laughed, in spite of herself, and + liking this phase of Regina's character better than any she had + yet seen. "Come," she said, with a sudden generous impulse, and + holding out her hand, "let us stop quarrelling. You saved me + from a bad accident, and I was too ungenerous to be grateful. I + thank you now, with all my heart."</p> + + <p>Regina was surprised and stared hard at her for a moment, + and then glanced at her outstretched hand.</p> + + <p>"You would not take my hand if there were any one here to + see."</p> + + <p>"Why not?"</p> + + <p>"Because they have told you that I am a wicked woman," + Regina answered, a slight blush rising in her cheeks. "And + perhaps it is true. But it was for him."</p> + + <p>"I would take your hand anywhere, because you saved his + life," said Aurora, and her voice shook a little as she said + the last words. "And besides, no one has told me that you are + wicked. Come, what is the use of hating each other?"</p> + + <p>Regina took her hand reluctantly, but not suspiciously, and + held it a moment.</p> + + <p>"It does not mean that I shall not hate you if he ever loves + you again," she said. "If I made you think that it would be + treachery, and that is the worst sin."</p> + + <p>"It only means that I thank you now, quite honestly," Aurora + answered, and their hands parted.</p> + + <p>"Very well." Regina seemed satisfied. "And I thank you for + taking my hand," she added, with something oddly like real + gratitude, "and because you said you would do it anywhere, even + before other women. I know what I am, and what people call me. + But it was for him. Let us not talk of it any more. I will help + you down, and you shall go home alone."</p> + + <p>"My mother is waiting for me far down, towards the village," + Aurora said.</p> + + <p>"All the better. A young lady like you should not go about + without any one. It is not proper."</p> + + <p>Aurora suppressed a smile at the thought of being reproved + concerning the proprieties by "Marcello's Regina," and she + began the descent. Regina went down first, facing the rock, and + planting the young girl's feet in the best stepping places, one + after the other, with constant warnings and instructions as to + holding on with her hands. They reached the bottom in safety, + and came to the place where Regina had left her hat and shoes. + She sat down where she had been sitting when she had first + heard the cry, and began to put them on.</p> + + <p>"I had taken them off for coolness as I sat here," she + explained. "You see, until I was fourteen I only wore them on + Sundays."</p> + + <p>"And yet you have such beautiful feet," Aurora said.</p> + + <p>"Have I?" Regina asked indifferently. "I thought all feet + were alike. But I have torn my stocking—it is hard to get + the shoe on."</p> + + <p>"Let me help you." Aurora knelt down quickly, and began to + loosen the lacing further, but Regina protested, flushing + deeply and trying to draw her foot back.</p> + + <p>"No, no!" she cried. "You are a lady!"</p> + + <p>"What difference does that make?" asked Aurora, laughing and + insisting.</p> + + <p>"This is not right!" Regina still protested, and the blush + had not left her cheeks.</p> + + <p>But Aurora smoothed the torn stocking under the sole of each + foot, and slipped on the shoes, which were by no means tight, + and tied the lacing fast.</p> + + <p>"Thank you, Signorina," Regina said, much confused. "You are + too good!"</p> + + <p>She picked up her hat and put it on, but she was not clever + with the pin, for she was used to having Settimia do everything + for her which she had not learned to do for herself before she + had come to Rome.</p> + + <p>"I can never manage it without Settimia," she said, as if + excusing herself for her awkwardness, as she again submitted to + Aurora's help.</p> + + <p>"Settimia?" repeated the young girl, as she put the hat on + and thrust a long pin through it. "Who is Settimia?"</p> + + <p>"Our—I mean my maid," Regina explained. "Thank you. + You are too good!"</p> + + <p>"It is an uncommon name," Aurora said, looking critically at + the hat. "But I think I have heard it before."</p> + + <p>"She is a wonderful woman. She knows French. She knows + everything!"</p> + + <p>Aurora said nothing to this, but seemed to be trying to + recall something she had long forgotten. Regina was very busy + in her turn, pulling down the girl's frock all round, and + brushing it with her hand as well as she could, and picking off + bits of dry grass and thistles that clung to the grey woollen. + Aurora thanked her.</p> + + <p>"The way down is very easy now," Regina said. "A few steps + farther on we can see the road."</p> + + <p>"After all, why should you not come with me till we find my + mother?" Aurora asked.</p> + + <p>"No," Regina answered with quiet decision. "I am what I am. + You must not be seen with Regina. Do not tell your mother that + you have been with me, and I shall not tell Marcello—I + mean, Signor Consalvi."</p> + + <p>"Why not?"</p> + + <p>"Neither of them would be pleased. Trust me. I know the + world. Good-bye, and the Madonna accompany you; and remember + what I said when I took your hand."</p> + + <p>So they parted, and Regina stood up a long time, and watched + the slender grey figure descending to the road in the + valley.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_XIII'></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + + <p>"Variety, my dear Marcello, variety! There is nothing like + it. If I were you, I would make some change, for your life must + be growing monotonous, and besides, though I have not the least + intention of reading you a lecture, you have really made your + doings unnecessarily conspicuous of late. The Paris chroniclers + have talked about you enough for the present. Don't you think + so? Yes, finish the bottle. I always told you that champagne + was good for you."</p> + + <p>Marcello filled his glass and sipped the wine before he + answered. It had not gone to his head, but there was colour in + his lean cheeks, his eyes were brighter than usual, and he felt + the familiar exhilaration which he had missed of late.</p> + + <p>"I have been drinking milk for ten days," he said with a + smile, as he set down the glass.</p> + + <p>"Good in its way, no doubt," Corbario answered genially, + "but a little tiresome. One should often change from simple + things to complicated ones. It is the science of enjoyment. + Besides, it is bad for the digestion to live always on bread + and milk."</p> + + <p>"I don't live on that altogether," laughed Marcello.</p> + + <p>"I mean it metaphorically, my dear boy. There is such a + thing as simplifying one's existence too much. That sometimes + ends in getting stuck. Now you cannot possibly allow yourself + to get stuck in your present position. You know what I mean. + Oh, I don't blame you! If I were your age I should probably do + the same thing, especially if I had your luck. Blame you? No! + Not in the least. The cigarettes are there. You've not given up + smoking too? No, that's right. A man without a small vice is as + uninteresting as a woman without a past or a landscape without + shadows. Cigarettes never hurt anybody. Look at me! I used to + smoke fifty a day when I was your age."</p> + + <p>Marcello blew a cloud of smoke, stirred his coffee, and + leaned back. He had scarcely heard what Corbario said, but the + elder man's careless chatter had put him at his ease.</p> + + <p>"Folco," he said quietly, "I want to ask you a question, and + I want you to answer me seriously. Will you?"</p> + + <p>"As well as I can," answered Corbario, instantly changing + his tone and growing earnest.</p> + + <p>"Don't be surprised," Marcello said, half apologetically, as + if he were already weakening. "I shall never do anything + without your advice. Of course you know how I feel about all + this, that I am leading a disorderly life, and—well, you + understand!"</p> + + <p>"Perfectly, my dear boy. I only wish to help you out of it + as soon as possible, if you want to be helped. I'm quite sure + that you will pull through in time. I have always believed in + you."</p> + + <p>"Thank you. I know you have. Well, I'll ask you my question. + You know well enough that I shall never care for society much, + don't you?"</p> + + <p>"Society will care for you," answered Folco. "What is the + question?"</p> + + <p>"I'm coming to it, but I want to explain, or it will not be + quite clear. You see, it is not as if I were a personage in the + world."</p> + + <p>"What sort of personage? Please explain."</p> + + <p>"I mean, if I were the head of a great house, with a great + title and hereditary estate."</p> + + <p>"What has that to do with it?" Folco was mystified.</p> + + <p>"If I were, it would make a difference, I suppose. But I'm + not. I'm plain Marcello Consalvi, no better than any one + else."</p> + + <p>"But vastly richer," Folco suggested.</p> + + <p>"I wish I were not. I wish I were a poor clerk, working for + my living."</p> + + <p>"The air of this place is not good for you, my boy." Folco + laughed gaily.</p> + + <p>"No, don't laugh! I'm in earnest. If I were a poor man, + nobody would think it at all strange if—" Marcello + hesitated.</p> + + <p>"If what?"</p> + + <p>"If I married Regina," said Marcello rather desperately.</p> + + <p>Folco's expression changed instantly.</p> + + <p>"Was that the question you were going to ask me?" he + inquired.</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>Marcello grew very red and smoked so fast that he choked + himself.</p> + + <p>"Is there any earthly reason why you should marry her?" + asked Folco very quietly.</p> + + <p>"It would be right," Marcello answered, gaining courage.</p> + + <p>"Yes, yes, undoubtedly," Folco hastened to admit. "In + principle it would undoubtedly be right. But it is a very + serious matter, my dear boy. It means your whole life and + future. Have you"—he hesitated, with an affectation of + delicacy—"have you said anything to her about it?"</p> + + <p>"I used to, at first, but she would not hear of it. You have + no idea how simple she is, and how little she expects anything + of the sort. She always tells me that I am to send her away + when I am tired of her, to throw her away like an old coat, as + she says herself. But I could never do that, you know. Could + I?"</p> + + <p>Marcello blushed again, hardly knowing why. Corbario seemed + deeply interested.</p> + + <p>"She must be a very unusual sort of girl," he observed + thoughtfully. "There are not many like her, I fancy."</p> + + <p>"There is nobody like her," Marcello answered with + conviction. "That is why I want to marry her. I owe it to her. + You must admit that. I owe her my life, for I certainly should + have died if she had not taken care of me. And then, there is + the rest. She has given me all she has, and that is herself, + and she asks nothing in return. She is very proud, too. I tried + to make her accept a string of pearls in Paris, just because I + thought they would be becoming to her, but she absolutely + refused."</p> + + <p>"Really? I suppose you gave the pearls back to the + jeweller?"</p> + + <p>"No, I kept them. Perhaps I shall get her to wear them some + day."</p> + + <p>Folco smiled.</p> + + <p>"You may just as well encourage her simple tastes," he said. + "Women always end by learning how to spend money, unless it is + their own."</p> + + <p>Having delivered himself of this piece of wisdom Folco chose + a cigar, nipped off the end of it neatly with a gold cutter, + lit it and snuffed the rich smoke up his nose in a deliberate + manner.</p> + + <p>"Regina is a very remarkable woman," he said at last. "If + she had been well educated, she would make an admirable wife; + and she loves you devotedly, Marcello. Now, the real question + is—at least, it seems to me so—you don't mind my + talking to you just as I would to myself, do you? Very well. If + I were in your position, I should ask myself, as a man of + honour, whether I really loved her as much as she loved me, or + whether I had only been taken off my feet by her beauty. Don't + misunderstand me, my boy! I should feel that if I were not + quite sure of that, I ought not to marry her, because it would + be much worse for her in the end than if we parted. Have you + ever asked yourself that question, Marcello?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I have."</p> + + <p>Marcello spoke in a low voice, and bent his head, as if he + were not sure of the answer. Corbario, satisfied with the + immediate effect of his satanic speech, waited a moment, + sighed, looked down at his cigar, and then went on in gentle + tones.</p> + + <p>"That is so often the way," he said. "A man marries a woman + out of a sense of duty, and then makes her miserably unhappy, + quite in spite of himself. Of course, in such a case as yours, + you feel that you owe a woman amends—you cannot call it + compensation, as if it were a matter of law! She has given + everything, and you have given nothing. You owe her happiness, + if you can bestow it upon her, don't you?"</p> + + <p>"Indeed I do!" assented Marcello.</p> + + <p>"Yes. The question is, whether the way to make her happy is + to marry her, when you have a reasonable doubt as to whether + you can be a good husband to her. That is the real problem, it + seems to me. Do you love her enough to give up the life to + which you were born, and for which you were educated? You would + have to do that, you know. Our friends—your dear mother's + friends, my boy—would never receive her, least of all + after what has happened."</p> + + <p>"I know it."</p> + + <p>"You would have to wander about Europe, or live in San + Domenico, for you could not bear to live in Rome, meeting women + who would not bow to your wife. I know you. You could not + possibly bear it."</p> + + <p>"I should think not!"</p> + + <p>"No. Therefore, since you have the doubt, since you are not + absolutely sure of yourself, I think the only thing to do is to + find out what you really feel, before taking an irreparable + step."</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Marcello, who had fallen into the trap laid for + him. "I know that. But how am I to make sure of myself?"</p> + + <p>"There is only one way," Folco answered. "I know it is not + easy, and if I were not sure that you are perfectly sincere I + should be afraid to propose it to you."</p> + + <p>"What is it? Tell me. You are the only friend I have in the + world, Folco, and I want to do what is right. God knows, I am + in earnest! There are moments when I cannot imagine living + without Regina—it seemed hard to leave her this morning, + even for these few hours, and I long to be back at Pontresina + already! Yet you know how fond I am of you, and how I like to + be with you, for we have always been more like brothers than + anything else."</p> + + <p>"Indeed we have!" Folco assented fervently. "You were saying + that there were moments—yes?"</p> + + <p>"Sometimes she jars upon me dreadfully," Marcello said in a + low voice, as if he were ashamed of owning it. "Then I want to + get away."</p> + + <p>"Exactly. You want to get away, not to leave her, but to be + alone for a few hours, or a few days. That would be the very + best thing you could do—to separate for a little while. + You would very soon find out whether you could live without her + or not; and believe me, if you feel that you can live without + her, that means that you could not live with her for your whole + life."</p> + + <p>"I should go back to her in twenty-four hours. I am sure I + should."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps you would, if you went, say, from here to Paris + alone, with nothing to distract your attention. But suppose + that you and I should go together, to some place where we + should meet our friends, all amusing themselves, where you + could talk to other women, and meet men of your own age, and + lead the life people expect you to lead, just for a few weeks. + You know that society will be only too glad to see something of + you, whenever you choose to go near it. You are what is called + a good match, and all the mothers with marriageable daughters + would run after you."</p> + + <p>"Disgusting!" exclaimed Marcello, with contempt.</p> + + <p>"No doubt, but it would be a wholesome change and a good + test. When a young girl is determined to be a nun, she is + generally made to spend a year in society, in order to make + acquaintance with what she intends to give up. I don't see much + difference between that and your case. Before you say good-bye + for ever to your own world, find out what it is like. At the + same time, you will settle for ever any doubts you have about + really loving Regina."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps you are right. It would only be for a few + days."</p> + + <p>"And besides," Folco continued, "if you have not yet found + it dull at Pontresina, you certainly will before long. There is + no reason why you should lead the life of an invalid, for you + are quite strong now."</p> + + <p>"Oh, quite. I always tell Regina so, but she insists that I + am too thin, and it amuses her to take care of me."</p> + + <p>"Naturally. That is how you first made acquaintance. A woman + who has once taken care of a man she loves wants him to be ever + afterwards an invalid, for ever getting better! A man gets + tired of that in time. It was a great pity you left Paris just + when I came, for there are many things we could have enjoyed + together there."</p> + + <p>"I daresay," Marcello answered, not paying much attention to + the other's words.</p> + + <p>"Take my advice, my dear boy," said Folco. "Come away with + me for a few days. I will wait here till you are quite ready, + for of course you cannot be sure of getting off at once. You + will have to prepare Regina for this."</p> + + <p>"Of course. I am not sure that it is possible at all."</p> + + <p>Folco laughed gaily.</p> + + <p>"Anything is possible that you really wish to do," he + said.</p> + + <p>"Regina may insist upon coming with me."</p> + + <p>"Nonsense. Women always submit in the end, and they never + die of it. Assert yourself, Marcello! Be a man! You cannot be + ordered about like a child by any woman, not even if she has + saved your life, not even if she loves you to distraction. You + have a right to a will of your own."</p> + + <p>"I know. And yet—oh, I wish I knew what I ought to + do!"</p> + + <p>"Think over all I have said, and you will see that I am + right," said Folco, rising from the table. "And if you take my + advice, you will be doing what is fair and honest by Regina as + well as by yourself. Your own conscience must tell you + that."</p> + + <p>Poor Marcello was not very sure what had become of his own + conscience during the past year, and Folco's arguments swayed + him as he groped for something definite to follow, and found + nothing but what Corbario chose to thrust into his hand.</p> + + <p>As they stood by the table, a servant brought a note on a + little salver, holding it out to them as if he were not sure + which of them was to receive it. Both glanced at the address; + it was for Corbario, who took it quickly and put it into his + pocket; but Marcello had recognised the handwriting—that + rather cramped feminine hand of a woman who has seen better + days, in which Settimia kept accounts for Regina. The latter + insisted that an account should be kept of the money which + Marcello gave her, and that he should see it from time to time. + At the first moment, being absorbed with other matters, and + inwardly much engaged in the pursuit of his own conscience, + which eluded him at every turn like a figure in a dream, he + paid no attention to what he had seen; but the writing had + impressed itself on his memory.</p> + + <p>They had been lunching in Folco's sitting-room, and Corbario + made an excuse to go into his bedroom for a moment, saying that + he wanted certain cigars that his man had put away. Marcello + stood at the window gazing down the broad valley. Scarcely a + minute elapsed before Folco came back with a handful of Havanas + which he dropped on a writing-table.</p> + + <p>"By the bye," he said carelessly, "there is another reason + why you may not care to stay long in Pontresina. The Contessa + and Aurora are there."</p> + + <p>"Are they?" Marcello turned sharply as he asked the + question.</p> + + <p>He was surprised, and at the same instant it flashed upon + him that Folco had just received the information from Settimia + in the note that had been brought.</p> + + <p>"Yes," Folco answered with a smile. "And Pontresina is such + a small place that you can hardly help meeting them. I thought + I might as well tell you."</p> + + <p>"Thank you. Yes, it would be awkward, and unpleasant for + them."</p> + + <p>"Precisely. The Contessa wrote me that she and Aurora had + come upon you two unexpectedly in leaving a theatre, and that + she had felt very uncomfortable."</p> + + <p>"Oh! I suppose she suggested that I should mend my + ways?"</p> + + <p>"As a matter of fact, she did." Corbario smiled. "You know + what a very proper person she is!"</p> + + <p>"She is quite right," answered Marcello gravely.</p> + + <p>"It certainly cannot have been pleasant for her, on account + of Aurora."</p> + + <p>Folco looked at him thoughtfully, for his tone had suddenly + changed.</p> + + <p>"If you don't mind," Folco said, "I think I will drive up + with you and call on them this afternoon. You can drop me at + their hotel, and I shall find my way back alone."</p> + + <p>"Certainly."</p> + + <p>"Are you sure you don't mind?" Folco affected to speak + anxiously.</p> + + <p>"Why should I?"</p> + + <p>"You see," Folco said, without heeding the question, "they + let me know that they were there, and as we are such old + friends it would be strange if I did not go to see them."</p> + + <p>"Of course it would," answered Marcello in an absent + tone.</p> + + <p>He already connected Folco's knowledge of the Contessa's + arrival in Pontresina so closely with Settimia's note that + Folco's last statement had taken him by surprise, and a + multitude of confused questions presented themselves to his + mind. If Settimia had not written about the Contessa, why had + she written at all? How did she know where Corbario was + stopping in Saint Moritz? Was she in the habit of writing to + him? Corbario had found her for Regina; was Settimia helping + Corbario to exercise a sort of paternal vigilance over him? + Somehow Marcello did not like that idea at all. So far as he + knew, Folco had always been singularly frank with him, and had + never deceived him in the smallest thing, even "for his own + good." Marcello could only attribute good motives to him, but + the mere idea of being watched was excessively disagreeable. He + wondered whether Settimia had influenced Regina to get him away + from Paris, acting under directions from Corbario. Was Regina + deceiving him too, "for his own good"? If there is anything a + man cannot bear from those he loves best, it is that they + should take counsel together secretly to direct him "for his + own good."</p> + + <p>Marcello tried to put the thought out of his mind; but it + had dawned upon him for the first time that Folco could tell + even a pious falsehood. Yet he had no proof whatever that he + had guessed right; it was a sudden impression and nothing more. + He was much more silent during the rest of the afternoon as he + drove up to Pontresina with Folco, and it seemed to him that he + had at last touched something definite; which was strange + enough, considering that it was all a matter of guess-work and + doubt.</p> + + <p>And now fate awoke again and did one of those little things + that decide men's lives. If Folco and Marcello had stopped at + the door of the Contessa's hotel two minutes earlier, or thirty + seconds later, than they did, they would not have chanced upon + the Contessa and Aurora just coming in from a walk. But fate + brought the four together precisely at that moment. As the + carriage stopped, the two ladies had come from the opposite + direction and were on the door-step.</p> + + <p>"What a surprise!" exclaimed the Contessa, giving her hand + graciously to Folco and then to Marcello.</p> + + <p>The latter had got hold of a thread. Since the Contessa was + surprised to see Folco, she could not possibly have already let + him know that she was in Pontresina.</p> + + <p>"I came as soon as I knew that you were here," said Corbario + quickly.</p> + + <p>Marcello heard the words, though he was at that moment + shaking hands with Aurora, and their eyes had met. She was + perfectly calm and collected, none the worse for her adventure + in the morning, and considerably the wiser.</p> + + <p>"Will you come in?" asked the Contessa, leading the way, as + if expecting both men to follow.</p> + + <p>Corbario went at once. Marcello hesitated, and flushed a + little, and Aurora seemed to be waiting for him.</p> + + <p>"Shall I come, too?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Just as you please," she answered. "My mother will think it + strange if you don't."</p> + + <p>Marcello bent his head, and the two followed the others + towards the stairs at a little distance.</p> + + <p>"Did your mother send word to Folco that you were here?" + asked Marcello quickly, in a low tone.</p> + + <p>"Not that I know. Why?"</p> + + <p>"It is no matter. I wanted to be sure. Thank you."</p> + + <p>They went upstairs side by side, not even glancing at each + other, much more anxious to seem perfectly indifferent than to + realise what they felt now that they had met at last.</p> + + <p>Marcello stayed ten minutes in the small sitting-room, + talking as well as he could. He had no wish to be alone with + Aurora or her mother, and since the visit had been pressed upon + him he was glad that Folco was present. But he got away as soon + as he could, leaving Corbario to his own devices. The Contessa + gave him her hand quietly, as if she had not expected him to + stay, and she did not ask him to come again. Aurora merely + nodded to him, and he saw that just as he went out she left the + room by another door, after glancing at him once more with + apparent coldness.</p> + + <p>He walked quickly through the village until he came near to + his own hotel, and then his pace slackened by degrees. He knew + that he had felt a strong emotion in seeing Aurora again, and + he was already wishing that he had not come away so soon. The + room had been small, and it had been uncomfortable to be there, + feeling himself judged and condemned by the Contessa and + distrusted by Aurora; but he had been in an atmosphere that + recalled all his youth, with people whose mere presence + together brought back the memory of his dead mother as nothing + else had done since his illness. He was just in that state of + mind in which he would have broken away and freed himself + within the hour, at any cost, if he had been involved in a + common intrigue.</p> + + <p>At the same time he had become convinced that Folco had + deceived him, for some reason or other which he could not + guess, and the knowledge was the first serious disillusionment + of his life. The deception had been small, and perhaps intended + in some mysterious way to be "for his own good"; but it had + been a distinct deception and no better than a lie. He was sure + of that.</p> + + <p>He went upstairs slowly and Regina met him at the door of + their rooms, and took his hat and stick without a word, for she + saw that something had happened, and she felt suddenly cold. He + was quite unlike himself. The careless look was gone from his + face, his young lips were tightly closed, and he looked + straight before him, quite unconscious that his manner was + hurting her desperately.</p> + + <p>"Has Settimia been out to-day?" he asked, looking at her + quickly.</p> + + <p>"I don't know," she answered, surprised. "I went for a long + walk this morning. She probably went out into the village. I + cannot tell. Why do you ask?"</p> + + <p>"I wish to know whether she sent a note to Saint Moritz by a + messenger. Can you find out, without asking her a direct + question? I am very anxious to know."</p> + + <p>"I will try, but it will not be easy," said Regina, watching + him.</p> + + <p>She had made up her mind that the blow was coming, and that + Marcello was only putting off the moment when she must be told + that he meant to leave her. She was very quiet, and waited for + him to speak again, for she was too proud to ask him questions. + His inquiry about Settimia was in some way connected with what + was to come. He sat down by the table, and drummed upon it + absently with his fingers for a moment. Then he looked up + suddenly and met her eyes; his look of troubled preoccupation + faded all at once, and he smiled and held out one hand to draw + her nearer.</p> + + <p>"Forgive me," he said. "All sorts of things have happened + to-day. I have been annoyed."</p> + + <p>She came and bent over him, turning his face up to hers with + her hands, very gently. His eyes lightened slowly, and his lips + parted a little.</p> + + <p>"You are not tired of Regina yet," she said.</p> + + <p>"No!" he laughed. "But you were right," he added, almost + immediately.</p> + + <p>"I knew I was," she answered, but not as she had expected to + say the words when she had seen him come in.</p> + + <p>She dared not hope to keep him always, but she had not lost + him yet, and that was enough for the moment. The weight had + fallen from her heart, and the pain was gone.</p> + + <p>"Was it what I thought?" she asked softly. "Does your + stepfather wish to separate us?"</p> + + <p>"For a little while," Marcello answered. "He says we ought + to part for a few weeks, so that I may find out whether I love + you enough to marry you!"</p> + + <p>"And he almost persuaded you that he was right," said + Regina. "Is that what happened?"</p> + + <p>"That—and something else."</p> + + <p>"Will you tell me, heart of my heart?"</p> + + <p>In the falling twilight he told her all that had passed + through his mind, from the moment when he had seen Settimia's + handwriting on the note. Then Regina's lips moved.</p> + + <p>"He shall pay!" she was saying under her breath. "He shall + pay!"</p> + + <p>"What are you saying?" Marcello asked.</p> + + <p>"An Ave Maria," she answered. "It is almost dark."</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_XIV'></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + + <p>The little house in Trastevere was shut up, but the gardener + had the keys, and came twice a week to air the rooms and sweep + the paths and water the shrubs. He was to be informed by + Settimia of Regina's return in time to have everything ready, + but he did not expect any news before the end of September; and + if he came regularly, on Tuesday and Saturday, and did his + work, it was because he was a conscientious person in his way, + elderly, neat, and systematic, a good sort of Roman of the old + breed. But if he came on other days, as he often did, not to + air the rooms, but to water and tend certain plants, and to do + the many incomprehensible things which gardeners do with + flower-pots, earth, and seeds, that was his own affair, and + would bring a little money in the autumn when the small + florists opened their shops and stands again, and the tide of + foreigners set once more towards Rome. Also, if he had made + friends with the gardeners at the beautiful villa on the + Janiculum, that was not Corbario's business; and they gave him + cuttings, and odds and ends, such as can be spared from a great + garden where money is spent generously, but which mean a great + deal to a poor man who is anxious to turn an honest penny by + hard work.</p> + + <p>The immediate result of this little traffic was that the + gardeners at the villa knew all about the little house in + Trastevere; and what the gardeners knew was known also by the + porter, and by the other servants, and through them by the + servants of other people, and the confidential valet told his + master, and the maid told her mistress; and so everybody had + learned where "Consalvi's Regina" lived, and it was likely that + everybody would know when she came back to Rome, and whether + Marcello came with her or not.</p> + + <p>He had not taken Folco's advice, much to the latter's + disappointment and annoyance. On the contrary, he and Regina + had left the Engadine very suddenly, without so much as letting + Corbario guess that they were going away; and Regina had + managed to keep Settimia so very busy and so constantly under + her eye that the maid had not been able to send Folco a word, + warning him of the anticipated move. Almost for the first time + Marcello had made up his mind for himself, and had acted upon + his decision; and it seemed as if the exercise of his will had + made a change in his character.</p> + + <p>They wandered from place to place; they went to Venice in + the hottest season, when no one was there, and they came down + to Florence and drove up to Vallombrosa, where they stumbled + upon society, and were stared at accordingly. They went down to + Siena, they stopped in Orvieto, and drove across to Assisi and + Perugia; but they were perpetually drawn towards Rome, and knew + that they longed to be there again.</p> + + <p>Marcello had plenty of time to think, and there was little + to disturb his meditations on the past and future; for Regina + was not talkative, and was content to be silent for hours, + provided that she could see his face. He never knew whether she + felt her ignorance about all they saw, and his own knowledge + was by no means great. He told her what he knew and read about + places they visited, and she remembered what he said, and + sometimes asked simple questions which he could answer easily + enough. For instance, she wished to know whether America were a + city or an island, and who the Jews were, and if the sun rose + in the west on the other side of the world, since Marcello + assured her that the world was round.</p> + + <p>He was neither shocked nor amused; Ercole had asked him + similar questions when he had been a boy; so had the peasants + in Calabria, and there was no reason why Regina should know + more than they did. Besides, she possessed wonderful tact, and + now spoke her own language so well that she could pass for a + person of average education, so long as she avoided speaking of + anything that is learned from books. She was very quick to + understand everything connected with the people she heard of, + and she never forgot anything that Marcello told her. She was + grateful to him for never laughing at her, but in reality he + was indifferent. If she had known everything within bounds of + knowledge, she would not have been a whit more beautiful, or + more loving, or more womanly.</p> + + <p>But he himself was beginning to think, now that his faith in + Folco had been shaken, and he began to realise that he had been + strangely torpid and morally listless during the past years. + The shock his whole system had received, the long interval + during which his memory had been quite gone, the physical + languor that had lasted some time after his recovery from the + fever, had all combined to make the near past seem infinitely + remote, to cloud his judgment of reality, and to destroy the + healthy tension of his natural will. A good deal of what + Corbario had called "harmless dissipation" had made matters + worse, and when Regina had persuaded him to leave Paris he had + really been in that dangerous moral, intellectual, and physical + condition in which it takes very little to send a man to the + bad altogether, and not much more to kill him outright, if he + be of a delicate constitution and still very young. Corbario + had almost succeeded in his work of destruction.</p> + + <p>He would not succeed now, for the worst danger was past, and + Marcello had found his feet after being almost lost in the + quicksand through which he had been led.</p> + + <p>He had not at first accused Folco of anything worse than + that one little deception about the arrival of the Contessa, + and of having caused him to be too closely watched by Settimia. + Little by little, however, other possibilities had shaped + themselves and had grown into certainties at an alarming rate. + He understood all at once how Folco himself had been spending + his time, while society had supposed him to be a broken hearted + widower. A few hints which he had let fall about the things he + would have shown Marcello in Paris suggested a great deal; his + looks and manner told the rest, now that Marcello had guessed + the main truth. He had not waited three months after his wife's + death to profit by his liberty and the wealth she had left him. + Marcello remembered the addresses he had given from time to + time—Monte Carlo, Hombourg, Pau, and Paris very often. He + had spoken of business in his letters, as an excuse for moving + about so much, but "business" did not always take a man to + places of amusement, and Folco seemed to have visited no + others. Men whom Marcello had met had seen Corbario, and what + they said about him was by no means indefinite. He had been + amusing himself, and not alone, and the young men had laughed + at his attempts to cloak his doings under an appearance of + sorrowing respectability.</p> + + <p>As all this became clear to Marcello he suffered acutely at + times, and he reproached himself bitterly for having been so + long blind and indifferent. It was bad enough that he should + have been leading a wild life with Regina in Paris within a few + months of his mother's death, but even in the depths of his + self-reproach he saw how much worse it was that Folco should + have forgotten her so soon. It was worse than a slight upon his + mother's memory, it was an insult. The good woman who was gone + would have shed hot tears if she could have come to life and + seen how her son was living; but she would have died again, + could she have seen the husband she adored in the places where + many had seen him since her death. It was no wonder that + Marcello's anger rose at the mere thought.</p> + + <p>Moreover, as Marcello's understanding awoke, he realised + that Folco had encouraged him in all he had done, and had not + seemed pleased when he had begun to live more quietly. Folco + would have made him his companion in pleasure, if he could, and + the idea was horrible to Marcello as soon as it presented + itself.</p> + + <p>It was the discovery that he had been mistaken in Corbario + that most directly helped him to regain his foothold in life + and his free will. There was more in the Spartan method than we + are always ready to admit, for it is easier to disgust most men + by the sight of human degradation than to strengthen them + against temptation by preaching, or by the lessons of example + which are so very peculiarly disagreeable to the normal + man.</p> + + <p>"I am virtuous, I am sober, I resist temptation, imitate + me!" cries the preacher. You say that you are virtuous, and you + are apparently sober, my friend; and perhaps you are a very + good man, though you need not scream out the statement at the + top of your voice. But how are we to know that you have any + temptations to resist? Or that your temptations are the same as + ours, even supposing that you have any? Or that you are + speaking the truth about yourself, since what you say is so + extremely flattering to your vanity? Wherever there is + preaching, those who are preached at are expected to accept a + good deal on the mere word of the preacher, quite aside from + anything they have been brought to believe elsewhere.</p> + + <p>"Temptation?" said a certain great lady who was not strong + in theology. "That is what one yields to, isn't it?"</p> + + <p>She probably knew what she was talking about, for she had + lived in the world a good while, as we have. But the preacher + is not very often one of us, and he knows little of our ways + and next to nothing of our real feelings; yet he exhorts us to + be like him. It would be very odd if we succeeded. The world + would probably stand still if we did, and most of us are so + well aware of the fact that we do not even try; and the sermon + simply has no effect at all, which need not prevent the + preacher from being richly remunerated for delivering it.</p> + + <p>"Vice is very attractive, of course," he says, "but you must + avoid it because it is sinful."</p> + + <p>And every time vice is mentioned we think how attractive it + must be, since it is necessary to preach against it so much; + and the more attractive it seems, the greater the + temptation.</p> + + <p>"Should you like to try a vice or two?" said the Spartan, + "Very well. Come with me, my boy, and you shall see what vice + is; and after that, if you care to try it, please yourself, for + I shall have nothing more to say!"</p> + + <p>And forthwith he played upon the string of disgust, which is + the most sensitive of all the strings that vibrate in the great + human instrument; and the boy's stomach rose, and he sickened + and turned away, and remembered for ever, though he might try + ever so hard to forget.</p> + + <p>Marcello at last saw Folco as he was, though still without + understanding the worst, and with no suspicion that Folco + wished him out of the world, and had deliberately set to work + to kill him by dissipation; and the disgust he felt was the + most horrible sensation that he could remember. At the same + time he saw himself and his whole life, and the perplexity of + his position frightened him.</p> + + <p>It seemed impossible to go back and live under the same roof + with Corbario now. He flushed with shame when he remembered the + luncheon at Saint Moritz, and how he had been almost persuaded + to leave poor Regina suddenly, and to go back to Paris with his + stepfather. He saw through the devilish cleverness of the man's + arguments, and when he remembered that his dead mother's name + had been spoken, a thrill of real pain ran through his body and + he clenched his teeth and his hands.</p> + + <p>He asked himself how he could meet Folco after that, and the + only answer was that if they met they must quarrel and part, + not to meet again.</p> + + <p>He told Regina that he would not go back to the villa after + they reached Rome, but would live in the little house in + Trastevere. To his surprise, she looked grave and shook her + head. She had never asked him what was making him so silent and + thoughtful, but she had guessed much of the truth from little + things; she herself had never trusted Corbario since she had + first seen his face at the hospital, and she had long foreseen + the coming struggle.</p> + + <p>"Why do you shake your head?" he asked. "Do you not want me + at the little house?"</p> + + <p>"The villa is yours, not his," she said. "He will be glad if + you will leave him there, for he will be the master. Then he + will marry again, and live there, and it will be hard to turn + him out."</p> + + <p>"What makes you think he wishes to marry again?"</p> + + <p>"He would be married already, if the girl would have him," + answered Regina.</p> + + <p>"How do you know?"</p> + + <p>"You told me to watch, to find out. I have obeyed you. I + know everything."</p> + + <p>Marcello was surprised, and did not quite understand. He + only remembered that he had asked her to ascertain whether + Settimia had sent a note to Folco at Saint Moritz. After a day + or two she told him that she was quite sure of it. That was + all, and Regina had scarcely ever spoken of Folco since then. + Marcello reminded her of this, and asked her what she had + done.</p> + + <p>"I can read," she said. "I can read writing, and that is + very hard, you know. I made Settimia teach me. I said with + myself, if he should be away and should write to me, what + should I do? I could not let Settimia read his letters, and I + am too well dressed to go to a public letter-writer in the + street, as the peasants do. He would think me an ignorant + person, and the people in the street would laugh. That would + not help me. I should have to go to the priest, to my + confessor."</p> + + <p>"Your confessor? Do you go to confession?"</p> + + <p>"Do you take me for a Turk?" Regina asked, laughing. "I go + to confession at Christmas and Easter. I tell the priest that I + am very bad, and am sorry, but that it is for you and that I + cannot help it. Then he asks me if I will promise to leave you + and be good. And I say no, that I will not promise that. And he + tells me to go away and come back when I am ready to promise, + and that he will give me absolution then. It is always the + same. He shakes his head and frowns when he sees me coming, and + I smile. We know each other quite well now. I have told him + that when you are tired of me, then I will be good. Is not that + enough? What can I do? I should like to be good, of course, but + I like still better to be with you. So it is."</p> + + <p>"You are better than the priest knows," said Marcello + thoughtfully, "and I am worse."</p> + + <p>"It is not true. But if I had a letter from you, I would not + take it to the priest to read for me. He would be angry, and + tear it up, and send me away. I understood this at the + beginning, so I made Settimia teach me how to read the writing, + and I also learned to write myself, not very well, but one can + understand it."</p> + + <p>"I know. I have seen you writing copies. But how has that + helped you to find out what Folco is doing?"</p> + + <p>"I read all Settimia's letters," Regina answered, with + perfect simplicity.</p> + + <p>"Eh?" Marcello thought he had misunderstood her.</p> + + <p>"I read all the letters she gets," Regina replied, unmoved. + "When she was teaching me to read I saw where she kept all her + letters. It is always the same place. There is a pocket inside + a little black bag she has, which opens easily, though she + locks it. She puts the letters there, and when she has read + them over she burns them. You see, she has no idea that I read + them. But I always do, ever since you asked me about that note. + When I know that she has had a letter, I send her out on an + errand. Then I read. It is so easy!"</p> + + <p>Regina laughed, but Marcello looked displeased.</p> + + <p>"It is not honest to do such things," he said.</p> + + <p>"Not honest?" Regina stared at him in amazement. "How does + honesty enter into the question? Is Settimia honest? Then + honest people should all be in the galleys! And if you knew how + he writes to her! Oh, yes! You are the 'dear patient,' and I am + the 'admirable companion.' They have known each other long, + those two. They have a language between them, but I have + learned it. They have no more secrets that I do not know. + Everything the admirable companion does that makes the dear + patient better is wrong, and everything that used to make him + worse was right. They were killing you in Paris, they wanted + you to stay there until you were dead. Do you know who saved + your life? It was the Contessa, when I heard her say that you + were looking ill! If you ever see her again, thank her, for I + was blind and she opened my eyes. The devil had blinded me, and + the pleasure, and I could not see. I see now, thanks to heaven, + and I know all, and they shall not hurt you. But they shall + pay!"</p> + + <p>She was not laughing now, as she said the last words under + her breath, and her beautiful lips just showed her white teeth, + set savagely tight as though they had bitten through something + that could be killed. Folco Corbario was not timid, but if he + had seen her then, and known that the imaginary bite was meant + for his life, he would have taken special care of his bodily + safety whenever she was in his neighbourhood.</p> + + <p>Marcello had listened in profound surprise, for what she + said threw new light on all he had thought out for himself of + late.</p> + + <p>"And you say that Folco is thinking of marrying again," he + said, almost ashamed to profit by information obtained as + Regina had got it.</p> + + <p>"Yes, he is in love with a young girl, and wishes to marry + her."</p> + + <p>Marcello said nothing.</p> + + <p>"Should you like to know her name?" asked Regina.</p> + + <p>Still Marcello was silent, as if refusing to answer, and yet + wishing that she should go on.</p> + + <p>"I will tell you," Regina said. "Her name is Aurora dell' + Armi."</p> + + <p>Marcello started, and looked into her face, doubting her + word for the first time. He changed colour, too, flushing and + then turning pale.</p> + + <p>"It is not true!" he cried, rather hoarsely. "It cannot be + true!"</p> + + <p>"It is true," Regina answered, "but she will not have him. + She would not marry him, even if her mother would allow + it."</p> + + <p>"Thank God!" exclaimed Marcello fervently.</p> + + <p>Regina sighed, and turned away.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_XV'></a>CHAPTER XV</h2> + + <p>Ercole sat on the stone seat that ran along the wall of the + inn, facing the dusty road. He was waiting in the cool dawn + until it should please the innkeeper to open the door, and Nino + crouched beside him, his head resting on his forepaws.</p> + + <p>A great many years had passed since Ercole had sat there the + last time, but nothing had changed, so far as he could see. He + had been young, and the women had called him handsome; his face + had not been shrivelled to parchment by the fever, and there + had been no grey threads in his thick black hair. Nino had not + been born then, and now Nino seemed to be a part of himself. + Nino's grandam had lain in almost the same spot then, wolfish + and hungry as her descendant was now, and only a trifle less + uncannily hideous. It was all very much the same, but between + that time and this there lay all Ercole's life by the Roman + shore.</p> + + <p>When he had heard, as every one had, how Marcello had been + brought to Rome on the tail of a wine-cart, he had been sure + that the boy had been laid upon it while the cart was standing + before Paoluccio's inn in the night. He knew the road well, and + the ways of the carters, and that they rarely stopped anywhere + else between Frascati and Rome. Again and again he had been on + the point of tramping up from the seashore to the place, to see + whether he could not find some clue to Marcello's accident + there, but something had prevented him, some old dislike of + returning to the neighbourhood after such a long absence. He + knew why he had not gone, but he had not confided the reason + even to Nino, who was told most things. He had, moreover, been + tolerably sure that nothing short of thumb-screws would extract + any information from Paoluccio or his wife, for he knew his own + people. The only thing that surprised him was that the boy + should ever have left the inn alive after being robbed of + everything he had about him that was worth taking.</p> + + <p>Moreover, since Marcello had been found, and was alive and + well, it was of very little use to try and discover exactly + what had happened to him after he had been last seen by the + shore. But the aspect of things had changed since Ercole had + heard the sailor's story, and his wish to see the place where + the boy had been hidden so long overcame any repugnance he felt + to visiting a neighbourhood which had unpleasant associations + with his younger years.</p> + + <p>He sat and waited at the door, and before the sun rose a + young woman came round the house with the big key and opened + the place, just as Regina had done in old days. She looked at + Ercole, and he looked at her, and neither said anything as she + went about her work, sprinkling the floor with water and then + sweeping it, and noisily pulling the heavy benches about. When + this operation was finished, Ercole rose and went in, and sat + down at the end of a table. He took some bread and cheese from + his canvas bag and began to eat, using his clasp-knife.</p> + + <p>"If you wish wine," said the woman, "you will have to wait + till the master comes down."</p> + + <p>Ercole only answered by raising his head and throwing out + his chin, which means "no" in gesture language. He threw pieces + of the bread and the rind of the cheese to his dog. Nino caught + each fragment in the air with a snap that would have lamed a + horse for a month. The woman glanced nervously at the animal, + each time she heard his jagged teeth close.</p> + + <p>Paoluccio appeared in due time, without coat or waistcoat, + and with his sleeves rolled up above the elbows, as if he had + been washing. If he had, the operation had succeeded very + imperfectly. He glanced at Ercole as he passed in.</p> + + <p>"Good-morning," he said, for he made it a point to be polite + to customers, even when they brought their own food.</p> + + <p>"Good-morning," answered Ercole, looking at him + curiously.</p> + + <p>Possibly there was something unusual in the tone of Ercole's + voice, for Nino suddenly sat up beside his master's knee, + forgetting all about the bread, and watched Paoluccio too, as + if he expected something. But nothing happened. Paoluccio + opened a cupboard in the wall with a key he carried, took out a + bottle of the coarse aniseed spirits which the Roman peasants + drink, and filled himself a small glass of the stuff, which he + tossed off with evident pleasure. Then he filled his pipe, lit + it carefully, and went to the door again. By this time, though + he had apparently not bestowed the least attention on Ercole, + he had made up his mind about him, and was not mistaken. Ercole + belonged to the better class of customers.</p> + + <p>"You come from the Roman shore?" he said, with an + interrogation.</p> + + <p>"To serve you," Ercole assented, with evident willingness to + enter into conversation. "I am a keeper and watchman on the + lands of Signor Corbario."</p> + + <p>Paoluccio took his pipe from his mouth and nodded twice.</p> + + <p>"That is a very rich gentleman, I have heard," he observed. + "He owns much land."</p> + + <p>"It all belongs to his stepson, now that the young gentleman + is of age," Ercole answered. "But as it was his mother's, and + she married Signor Corbario, we have the habit of the + name."</p> + + <p>"What is the name of the stepson?" asked Paoluccio.</p> + + <p>"Consalvi," Ercole replied.</p> + + <p>Paoluccio said nothing to this, but lit his pipe again with + a sulphur match.</p> + + <p>"Evil befall the soul of our government!" he grumbled + presently, with insufficient logic, but meaning that the + government sold bad tobacco.</p> + + <p>"You must have heard of the young gentleman," Ercole said. + "His name is Marcello Consalvi. They say that he lay ill for a + long time at an inn on this road—"</p> + + <p>"For the love of heaven, don't talk to me about Marcello + Consalvi!" cried Paoluccio, suddenly in a fury. "Blood of a + dog! If you had not the face of an honest man I should think + you were another of those newspaper men in disguise, pigs and + animals that they are and sons of evil mothers, and ill befall + their wicked dead, and their little dead ones, and those that + shall be born to them!"</p> + + <p>Paoluccio's eyes were bloodshot and he spat furiously, half + across the road. Nino watched him and hitched the side of his + upper lip on one of his lower fangs, which produced the effect + of a terrific smile. Ercole was unmoved.</p> + + <p>"I suppose," he observed, "that they said it happened in + your inn."</p> + + <p>"And why should it happen in my inn, rather than in any + other inn?" inquired Paoluccio angrily.</p> + + <p>"Indeed," said Ercole, "I cannot imagine why they should say + that it did! Some one must have put the story about. A servant, + perhaps, whom you sent away."</p> + + <p>"We did not send Regina away," answered Paoluccio, still + furious. "She ran away in the night, about that time. But, as + you say, she may have invented the story and sent the newspaper + men here to worry our lives with their questions, out of mere + spite."</p> + + <p>"Who was this Regina?" Ercole asked. "What has she to do + with it?"</p> + + <p>"Regina? She was the servant girl we had before this one. We + took her out of charity."</p> + + <p>"The daughter of some relation, no doubt," Ercole + suggested.</p> + + <p>"May that never be, if it please the Madonna!" cried + Paoluccio. "A relation? Thank God we have always been honest + people in my father's house! No, it was not a relation. She + came of a crooked race. Her mother took a lover, and her father + killed him, here on the Frascati road, and almost killed her + too; but the law gave him the right and he went free."</p> + + <p>"And then, what did he do?" asked Ercole, slowly putting the + remains of his bread into his canvas bag.</p> + + <p>"What did he do? He went away and never came back. What + should he do?"</p> + + <p>"Quite right. And the woman, what became of her?"</p> + + <p>"She took other men, for she had no shame. And at last one + of them was jealous, and struck her on the head with a paving + stone, not meaning to kill her; but she died."</p> + + <p>"Oh, she died, did she?"</p> + + <p>"She died. For she was always spiteful. And so that poor man + went to the galleys, merely for hitting her on the head, and + not meaning to kill her."</p> + + <p>"And you took the girl for your servant?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. She was old enough to work, and very strong, so we + took her for charity. But for my part, I was glad when she ran + away, for she grew up handsome, and with that blood there + surely would have been a scandal some day."</p> + + <p>"One sees that you are a very charitable person," Ercole + observed thoughtfully. "The girl must have been very ungrateful + if she told untrue stories about your inn, after all you had + done for her. You had nourished a viper in your house."</p> + + <p>"That is what my wife says," Paoluccio answered, now quite + calm. "Those are my wife's very words. As for believing that + the young man was ever in this house, I tell you that the story + is a wicked lie. Where should we have put him? In the cellar + with the hogsheads, or in the attic with the maid? or in our + own room? Tell me where we could have put him! Or perhaps they + will say that he slept on the ceiling, like the flies? They + will say anything, chattering, chattering, and coming here with + their questions and their photographing machines, and their + bicycles, and the souls of their dead! If you do not believe + me, you can see the place where they say that he lay! I tell + you there is not room for a cat in this house. Believe me if + you like!"</p> + + <p>"How can I not believe such a respectable person as you seem + to be?" inquired Ercole gravely.</p> + + <p>"I thank you. And since it happens that you are in the + service of the young gentleman himself, I hope you will tell + him that if he fancies he was in my house, he is mistaken."</p> + + <p>"Surely," said Ercole.</p> + + <p>"Besides," exclaimed Paoluccio, "how could he know where he + was? Are not all inns on these roads alike? He was in another, + that is all. And what had I to do with that?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing," assented Ercole. "I thank you for your + conversation. I will take a glass of the aniseed before I go, + if you please."</p> + + <p>"Are you going already?" asked Paoluccio, as he went to + fetch the bottle and the little cast glass from which he + himself had drunk.</p> + + <p>"Yes," Ercole answered. "I go to Rome. I stopped to refresh + myself."</p> + + <p>"It will be hot on the road," said Paoluccio, setting the + full glass down on the table. "Two sous," he added, as Ercole + produced his old sheepskin purse. "Thank you."</p> + + <p>"Thank you," Ercole answered, and tipped the spirits down + his throat. "Yes, it will be hot, but what can one do? We are + used to it, my dog and I. We are not of wax to melt in the + sun."</p> + + <p>"It is true that this dog does not look as if he were wax," + Paoluccio remarked, for the qualities of Nino had not escaped + him.</p> + + <p>"No. He is not of wax. He is of sugar, all sugar! He has a + very sweet nature."</p> + + <p>"One would not say so," answered Paoluccio doubtfully. "If + you go to the city you must muzzle him, or they will make you + pay a fine. Otherwise they will kill him for you."</p> + + <p>"Do you think any one would try to catch him if I let him + run loose?" asked Ercole, as if in doubt. "He killed a + full-grown wolf before he was two years old, and not long ago + he worried a sheepdog of the Campagna as if it had been nothing + but a lamb. Do you think any one would try to catch him?"</p> + + <p>"If it fell to me, I should go to confession first," said + Paoluccio.</p> + + <p>So Ercole left the inn and trudged along the road to Rome + with Nino at his heels, without once looking behind him; past + the Baldinotti houses and into the Via Appia Nuova, and on into + the city through the gate of San Giovanni, where the octroi men + stopped him and made him show them what he had in his canvas + bag. When they saw that there was no cheese left and but little + bread, they let him go by without paying anything.</p> + + <p>He went up to the left and sat down on the ground under the + trees that are there, and he filled his little clay pipe and + smoked a while, without even speaking to his dog. It was quiet, + for it was long past the hour when the carts come in, and the + small boys were all gone to school, and the great paved slope + between the steps of the basilica and the gate was quite + deserted, and very white and hot.</p> + + <p>Ercole was not very tired, though he had walked all night + and a good part of the morning. He could have gone on walking + till sunset if he had chosen, all the way to his little stone + house near Ardea, stopping by the way to get a meal; and then + he would not have slept much longer than usual. A Roman peasant + in his native Campagna, with enough to eat and a little wine, + is hard to beat at walking. Ercole had not stopped to rest, but + to think.</p> + + <p>When he had thought some time, he looked about to see if any + one were looking at him, and he saw that the only people in + sight were a long way off. He took his big clasp-knife out of + his pocket and opened it. As the clasp clicked at the back of + the blade Nino woke and sat up, for the noise generally meant + food.</p> + + <p>The blade was straight and clean, and tolerably sharp. + Ercole looked at it critically, drew the edge over his coarse + thumb-nail to find if there were any nick in the steel, and + then scratched the same thumb-nail with it, as one erases ink + with a knife, to see how sharp it was. The point was like a + needle, but he considered that the edge was dull, and he drew + it up and down one of the brown barrels of his gun, as + carefully as he would have sharpened a razor on a whetstone. + After that he stropped it on the tough leathern strap by which + he slung the gun over his shoulder when he walked; when he was + quite satisfied, he shut the knife again and put it back into + his pocket, and fell to thinking once more.</p> + + <p>Nino watched the whole operation with bloodshot eyes, his + tongue hanging out and quivering rhythmically as he panted in + the heat to cool himself. When the knife disappeared, and the + chance of a crust with it, the dog got up, deliberately turned + his back to his master, and sat down again to look at the + view.</p> + + <p>"You see," said Ercole to himself and Nino, "this is an + affair which needs thought. One must be just. It is one thing + to kill a person's body, but it is quite another thing to kill + a person's soul. That would be a great sin, and besides, it is + not necessary. Do I wish harm to any one? No. It is justice. + Perhaps I shall go to the galleys. Well, I shall always have + the satisfaction, and it will be greater if I can say that this + person is in Paradise. For I do not wish harm to any one."</p> + + <p>Having said this in a tone which Nino could hear, Ercole sat + thinking for some time longer, and then he rose and slung his + gun over his shoulder, and went out from under the trees into + the glaring heat, as if he were going into the city. But + instead of turning to the left, up the hill, he went on by the + broad road that follows the walls, till he came to the ancient + church of Santa Croce. He went up the low steps to the deep + porch and on to the entrance at the left. Nino followed him + very quietly.</p> + + <p>Ercole dipped his finger into the holy water and crossed + himself, and then went up the nave, making as little noise as + he could with his hob-nailed boots. An old monk in white was + kneeling at a broad praying-stool before an altar on the left. + Ercole stood still near him, waiting for him to rise, and + slowly turning his soft hat in his hands, as if it were a + rosary. He kept his eyes on the monk's face, studying the aged + features. Presently the old man had finished his prayer and got + upon his feet slowly, and looked at Ercole and then at Nino. + Ercole moved forward a step, and stood still in an attitude of + respect.</p> + + <p>"What do you desire, my son?" asked the monk, very quietly. + "Do you wish to confess?"</p> + + <p>"No, father, not to-day," answered Ercole. "I come to pray + you to say three masses for the soul of a person who died + suddenly. I have also brought the money. Only tell me how much + it will be, and I will pay."</p> + + <p>"You shall give what you will, my son," the monk said, "and + I will say the masses myself."</p> + + <p>Ercole got out his sheepskin purse, untied the strings, and + looked into it, weighing it in his hand. Then he seemed to + hesitate. The monk looked on quietly.</p> + + <p>"It is of your own free will," he said. "What you choose to + give is for the community, and for this church, and for the + chapel of Saint Helen. It is better that you know."</p> + + <p>Ercole drew the mouth of the purse together again and + returned it to the inside of his waistcoat, from which he + produced a large old leathern pocket-book.</p> + + <p>"I will give five francs," he said, "for I know that if you + say the masses yourself, they will be all good ones."</p> + + <p>A very faint and gentle smile flitted over the aged face. + Ercole held out the small note, and the monk took it.</p> + + <p>"Thank you," he said. "Shall I say the masses for a man or a + woman?"</p> + + <p>"As it pleases you, father," Ercole answered.</p> + + <p>"Eh?" The old monk looked surprised.</p> + + <p>"It does not matter," Ercole explained. "Is not a mass for a + man good for a woman also?"</p> + + <p>"We say 'his' soul or 'her' soul, as the case may be, my + son."</p> + + <p>"Is that written in the book of the mass?" inquired Ercole + distrustfully.</p> + + <p>"Yes. Also, most people tell us the baptismal name of the + dead person."</p> + + <p>"Must I do that too?" Ercole asked, by no means pleased.</p> + + <p>"Not unless you like," the monk answered, looking at him + with some curiosity.</p> + + <p>"But it is in the book of the mass that you must say 'his' + or 'her' soul?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Then the masses will not be good unless you say the right + word." Ercole paused a moment in deep thought, and looked down + at his hat. "It will be better to say the masses for a female," + he said at length, without meeting the monk's eyes.</p> + + <p>"Very well," the latter answered. "I will say the first mass + to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"Thank you," said Ercole. "My respects!"</p> + + <p>He made a sort of bow and hurried away, followed by Nino. + The old monk watched him thoughtfully, and shook his head once + or twice, for he guessed something of the truth, though by no + means all.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_XVI'></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + + <p>"One might almost think that you wished to marry Aurora + yourself," said Corbario, with a sneer.</p> + + <p>He was standing with his back to the fire in the great + library of the villa, for it was late autumn again; it was + raining hard and the air was raw and chilly.</p> + + <p>"You may think what you please," Marcello answered, leaning + back in his deep leathern chair and taking up a book. "I am not + going to argue with you."</p> + + <p>"Insufferable puppy," growled Folco, almost under his teeth; + but Marcello heard.</p> + + <p>He rose instantly and faced the elder man without the + slightest fear or hesitation.</p> + + <p>"If this were not my house, and you my guest, I would have + you put out of doors by the servants," he said, in a tone + Corbario had never heard before. "As it is, I only advise you + to go before I lose my temper altogether."</p> + + <p>Corbario backed till his heels were against the fender, and + tried to smile.</p> + + <p>"My dear Marcello!" he protested. "What nonsense is this? + You know I am not in earnest!"</p> + + <p>"I am," said Marcello quietly enough, but not moving.</p> + + <p>The half-invalid boy was not a boy any longer, nor an + invalid either, and he had found his hold on things, since the + days when Folco had been used to lead him as easily as if he + had no will of his own. No one would have judged him to be a + weak man now, physically or mentally. His frame was spare and + graceful still, but there was energy and directness in his + movements, his shoulders were square and he held his head high; + yet it was his face that had changed most, though in a way very + hard to define. A strong manhood sometimes follows a weak + boyhood, very much to the surprise of those who have long been + used to find feebleness where strength has suddenly developed. + Marcello Consalvi had never been cowardly, or even timid; he + had only been weak in will as in body, an easy prey to the man + who had tried to ruin him, body and soul, in the hope of + sending him to his grave.</p> + + <p>"I really cannot understand you, my dear boy," Corbario said + very sweetly. "You used to be so gentle! But now you fly into a + passion for the merest thing."</p> + + <p>"I told you that I would not argue with you," Marcello said, + keeping his temper. "This is my house, and I choose that you + should leave it at once. Go your way, and leave me to go mine. + You are amply provided for, as long as you live, and you do not + need my hospitality any longer, since you are no longer my + guardian. Live where you please. You shall not stay here."</p> + + <p>"I certainly don't care to stay here if you don't want me," + Folco answered. "But this is really too absurd! You must be + going mad, to take such a tone with me!"</p> + + <p>"It is the only one which any honourable man who knows you + would be inclined to take."</p> + + <p>"Take care! You are going too far."</p> + + <p>"Because you are under my roof? Yes, perhaps. As my guest, + if I have been hasty, I apologise for expressing my opinion of + you. I am going out now. I hope you will find it convenient to + have left before I come in."</p> + + <p>Thereupon Marcello turned his back on Corbario, crossed the + great library deliberately, and went out without looking + round.</p> + + <p>Folco was left alone, and his still face did not even + express surprise or annoyance. He had indeed foreseen the + coming break, ever since he had returned to the villa three + weeks earlier, when Marcello had received him with evident + coldness, not even explaining where he had been since they had + last parted. But Folco had not expected that the rupture would + come so suddenly, still less that he was literally to be turned + out of the house which he still regarded as his own, and in + which he had spent so many prosperous years. There had, indeed, + been some coldly angry words between the two men. Marcello had + told Folco quite plainly that he meant to be the master, and + that he was of age, and should regulate his own life as he + pleased, and he had expressed considerable disgust at the + existence Folco had been leading in Paris and elsewhere; and + Folco had always tried to laugh it off, calling Marcello + prudish and hypersensitive in matters of morality, which he + certainly was not. Once he had attempted an appeal to + Marcello's former affection, recalling his mother's love for + them both, but a look had come into the young man's eyes just + then which even Corbario did not care to face again, and the + relations between the two had become more strained from that + time on.</p> + + <p>It might seem almost incredible that a man capable of the + crimes Corbario had committed in cold blood, for a settled + purpose, should show so little power of following the purpose + to its accomplishment after clearing the way to it by a murder; + but every one who has had to do with criminals is aware that + after any great exertion of destructive energy they are + peculiarly subject to a long reaction of weakness which very + often leads to their own destruction. If this were not a + natural law, if criminals could exert continually the same + energy and command the same superhuman cunning which + momentarily helped them to perpetrate a crime, the world would + be in danger of being possessed and ruled by them, instead of + being mercifully, and perhaps too much, inclined to treat them + as degenerates and madmen. Their conduct after committing a + murder, for instance, seems to depend much more on their nerves + than on their intelligence, and the time almost invariably + comes when their nerves break down. It is upon the moment when + this collapse of the will sets in that the really experienced + detective counts, knowing that it may be hastened or retarded + by circumstances quite beyond the murderer's control. The life + of a murderer, after the deed, is one long fight with such + circumstances, and if he once loses his coolness he is himself + almost as surely lost as a man who is carried away by his + temper in a duel with swords.</p> + + <p>After Folco had killed his wife and had just failed to kill + Marcello, he had behaved with wonderful calm and propriety for + a little while; but before long the old wild longing for + excitement and dissipation, so long kept down during his + married life, had come upon him with irresistible force, and he + had yielded to it. Then, in hours of reaction, in the awful + depression that comes with the grey dawn after a night of wine + and pleasure and play, terrible little incidents had come back + to his memory. He had recalled Kalmon's face and quiet words, + and his own weakness when he had first come to see Marcello in + the hospital—that abject terror which both Regina and the + doctor must have noticed—and his first impression that + Marcello no longer trusted him as formerly, and many other + things; and each time he had been thus disturbed, he had + plunged deeper into the dissipation which alone could cloud + such memories and keep them out of sight for a time; till at + last he had come to live in a continual transition from + recklessness to fear and from fear to recklessness, and he had + grown to detest the very sight of Marcello so heartily that an + open quarrel was almost a relief.</p> + + <p>If he had been his former self, he would undoubtedly have + returned to his original purpose of killing Marcello outright, + since he had not succeeded in killing him by dissipation. But + his nerve was not what it had been, and the circumstances were + not in his favour. Moreover, Marcello was now of age, and had + probably made a will, unknown to Corbario, in which case the + fortune would no longer revert to the latter. The risk was too + great, since it would no longer be undertaken for a certainty + amounting to millions. It was better to be satisfied with the + life-interest in one-third of the property, which he already + enjoyed, and which supplied him with abundant means for amusing + himself.</p> + + <p>It was humiliating to be turned out of the house by a mere + boy, as he still called Marcello, but he was not excessively + sensitive to humiliation, and he promised himself some sort of + satisfactory vengeance before long. What surprised him most was + that the first quarrel should have been about Aurora. He had + more than once said in conversation that he meant to marry the + girl, and Marcello had chosen to say nothing in answer to the + statement; but when Folco had gone so far as to hint that + Aurora was in love with him and was about to accept him, + Marcello had as good as given him the lie direct, and a few + more words had led to the outbreak recorded at the beginning of + this chapter.</p> + + <p>As a matter of fact Corbario understood what had led to it + better than Marcello himself, who had no very positive reason + for entirely disbelieving his stepfather's words. The Contessa + and her daughter had returned to Rome, and Corbario often went + to see them, whereas Marcello had not been even once. When + Marcello had last seen Folco in the Engadine, he had left him + sitting in their little room at the hotel. Folco was not at all + too old to marry Aurora; he was rich, at least for life, and + Aurora was poor; he was good-looking, accomplished, and ready + with his tongue. It was by no means impossible that he might + make an impression on the girl and ultimately win her. Besides, + Marcello felt that odd little resentment against Aurora which + very young men sometimes feel against young girls, whom they + have thought they loved, or are really about to love, or are + afraid of loving, which makes them rude, or unjust, or both, + towards those perhaps quite unconscious maidens, and which no + woman can ever understand.</p> + + <p>"My dear Harry, why will you be so disagreeable to Mary?" + asks the wondering mother. "She is such a charming girl, and + only the other day she was saying that you are such a nice + boy!"</p> + + <p>"Humph!" snorts Harry rudely, and forthwith lights his pipe + and goes off to the stables to growl in peace, or across + country, or to his boat, or to any other heavenly place not + infested by women.</p> + + <p>There had been moments when, in his heart, Marcello had + almost said that it would serve Aurora right to be married to + Corbario; yet at the first hint from the latter that she was at + all in danger of such a fate, Marcello had broken out as if the + girl's good name had been attacked, and had turned his + stepfather out of the house in a very summary fashion.</p> + + <p>Having done so, he left the villa on foot, though it was + raining hard, and walked quickly past San Pietro in Montorio + and down the hill towards Trastevere. The southwest wind blew + the rain under his umbrella; it was chilly as well as wet, and + a few big leaves were beginning to fall from the + plane-trees.</p> + + <p>He was not going to the little house, where Regina sat by + the window looking at the rain and wishing that he would come + soon. When he was down in the streets he hailed the first cab + he saw, gave the man an address in the Forum of Trajan, and + climbed in under the hood, behind the dripping leathern apron, + taking his umbrella with him and getting thoroughly wet, as is + inevitable when one takes a Roman cab in the rain.</p> + + <p>The Contessa was out, in spite of the weather, but Marcello + asked if Aurora would see him, and presently he was admitted to + the drawing-room, where she was sitting beside a rather dreary + little fire, cutting a new book. She threw it down and rose to + meet him, as little outwardly disturbed as if they had seen + each other constantly during the past two years. She gave him + her hand quietly, and they sat down and looked at the fire.</p> + + <p>"It won't burn," Aurora said, rather disconsolately. "It + never did burn very well, but those horrid people who have had + the apartment for two years have spoilt the fireplace + altogether."</p> + + <p>"I remember that it used to smoke," Marcello answered, going + down on his knees and beginning to move the little logs into a + better position.</p> + + <p>"Thank you," Aurora said, watching him. "You won't succeed, + but it's good of you to try."</p> + + <p>Marcello said nothing, and presently he took the queer + little Roman bellows, and set to work to blow upon the + smouldering spots where the logs touched each other. In a few + seconds a small flame appeared, and soon the fire was burning + tolerably.</p> + + <p>"How clever you are!" Aurora laughed quietly.</p> + + <p>Marcello rose and sat upon a low chair, instead of on the + sofa beside her. For a while neither spoke, and he looked about + him rather awkwardly, while Aurora watched the flames. It was + long since he had been in the room, and it looked shabby after + the rather excessive magnificence of the villa on the + Janiculum, for which Corbario's taste had been largely + responsible. It was just a little shabby, too, compared with + the dainty simplicity of the small house in Trastevere. The + furniture, the carpets, and the curtains were two years older + than when he had seen them last, and had been unkindly used by + the tenants to whom the Contessa had sub-let the apartment in + order to save the rent. Marcello missed certain pretty things + that he had been used to see formerly, some bits of old Saxe, a + little panel by an early master, a chiselled silver cup in + which there always used to be flowers. He wondered where these + things were, and felt that the room looked rather bare without + them.</p> + + <p>"It burns very well now," said Aurora, still watching the + fire.</p> + + <p>"What has become of the old silver cup," Marcello asked, + "and all the little things that used to be about?"</p> + + <p>"We took them away with us when we let the apartment, and + they are not unpacked yet, though we have been here two + months."</p> + + <p>"Two months?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. I was wondering whether you were ever coming to see us + again!"</p> + + <p>"Were you? I fancied that you would not care very much to + see me now."</p> + + <p>Aurora said nothing to this, and they both looked at the + fire for some time. The gentle sound of the little flames was + cheerful, and gave them both the impression of a third person, + talking quietly.</p> + + <p>"I should not have come to-day," Marcello said at last, + "except that something has happened."</p> + + <p>"Nothing bad, I hope!" Aurora looked up with a sudden + anxiety that surprised him.</p> + + <p>"Bad? No. At least, I think not. Why are you startled?"</p> + + <p>"I have had a headache," Aurora explained. "I am a little + nervous, I fancy. What is it that has happened?"</p> + + <p>Marcello glanced at her doubtfully before he answered. Her + quick interest in whatever chanced to him took him back to the + old times in an instant. The place was familiar and quiet; her + voice was like forgotten music, once delightful, and now + suddenly recalled; her face had only changed to grow more + womanly.</p> + + <p>"You never thought of marrying Folco, did you?" he asked, + all at once, and a little surprised at the sound of his own + words.</p> + + <p>"I?" Aurora started again, but not with anxiety. "How can + you think such a thing?"</p> + + <p>"I don't think it; but an hour ago, at the villa, he told me + in almost so many words that you loved him and meant to accept + him."</p> + + <p>A blush of honest anger rose in the girl's fair face, and + subsided instantly.</p> + + <p>"And what did you say?" she asked, with a scarcely + perceptible tremor in her tone.</p> + + <p>"I turned him out of the house," Marcello answered + quietly.</p> + + <p>"Turned him out?" Aurora seemed amazed. "You turned him out + because he told you that?"</p> + + <p>"That and other things. But that was the beginning of it. I + told him that he was lying, and he called me names, and then I + told him to go. He will be gone when I reach home."</p> + + <p>To Marcello's surprise, Aurora got up suddenly, crossed the + room and went to one of the windows. Marcello rose, too, and + stood still. She seemed to be looking out at the rain, but she + had grasped one of the curtains tightly, and it looked as if + she were pressing the other hand to her left side. For a second + her head bent forward a little and her graceful shoulders moved + nervously, as though she were trying to swallow something hard. + Marcello watched her a moment, and then crossed the room and + stood beside her.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" he asked in a low voice, and laying his hand + gently on hers that held the curtain.</p> + + <p>She drew her own away quietly and turned her head. Her eyes + were dry and bright, but there were deep bistre shadows under + them that had not been there before, and the lower lids were + swollen.</p> + + <p>"It is nothing," she answered, and then laughed nervously. + "I am glad you have made your stepfather go away. It was time! + I was afraid you were as good friends as ever."</p> + + <p>"We have not been on good terms since we parted in + Pontresina. Do you remember when I left him in your + sitting-room at the hotel? He had been trying to persuade me to + go back to Paris with him at once. In fact—" he + hesitated.</p> + + <p>"You intended to go," Aurora said, completing the sentence. + "And then you changed your mind."</p> + + <p>"Yes. I could not do it. I cannot explain everything."</p> + + <p>"I understand without any explanation. I think you did + right."</p> + + <p>She went back to the fireplace and sat down in the corner of + the sofa, leaning far back and stretching out one foot to the + fender in an unconscious attitude of perfect grace. In the grey + afternoon the firelight began to play in her auburn hair. Now + and then she glanced at Marcello with half-closed lids, and + there was a suggestion of a smile on her lips. Marcello saw + that in her way she was as beautiful as Regina, and he + remembered how they had kissed, without a word, when the moon's + rays quivered through the trees by the Roman shore, more than + two years ago. They had been children then. All at once he felt + a great longing to kneel down beside the sofa and throw his + arms round her waist and kiss her once again; but at almost the + same instant he thought of Regina, waiting for him by the + window over there in Trastevere, and he felt the shame rising + to his face; and he leaned back in his low chair, clasping his + hands tightly over one knee, as if to keep himself from + moving.</p> + + <p>"Marcello," Aurora began presently, but she got no + further.</p> + + <p>"Yes?" Still he did not move.</p> + + <p>"I have something on my conscience." She laughed low. "No, + it is serious!" she went on, as if reproving herself. "I have + always felt that everything that has happened to you since we + parted that morning by the shore has been my fault."</p> + + <p>"Why?" Marcello seemed surprised.</p> + + <p>"Because I called you a baby," she said. "If you had not + been angry at that, if you had not turned away and left me + suddenly—you were quite right, you know—you would + not have been knocked down, you would not have wandered away + and lost yourself. You would not have lost your memory, or been + ill in a strange place, or—or all the rest! So it is all + my fault, you see, from beginning to end."</p> + + <p>"How absurd!" Marcello looked at her and smiled.</p> + + <p>"No. I think it is true. But you have changed very much, + Marcello. You are not a boy any longer. You have a will of your + own now; you are a man. Do you mind my telling you that?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly not!" He smiled again.</p> + + <p>"I remember very well what you answered. You said that I + should not laugh at you again. And that has come true. You said + a good many other things. Do you remember?"</p> + + <p>"No. I was angry. What did I say? Everything that happened + before I was hurt seems very far off."</p> + + <p>"It does not matter," Aurora answered softly. "I am glad you + have forgotten, for though I was angry too, and did not care at + the time, the things you said have hurt me since."</p> + + <p>"I am sorry," Marcello said gently, "very, very sorry. + Forgive me."</p> + + <p>"It was all my fault, for I was teasing you for the mere fun + of the thing. I was nothing but a silly school-girl then."</p> + + <p>"Yes. You have changed, too."</p> + + <p>"Am I at all what you expected I should be?" Aurora asked, + after a moment's silence.</p> + + <p>Marcello glanced at her, and clasped his hands over his knee + more tightly than ever.</p> + + <p>"I wish you were not," he answered in a low voice.</p> + + <p>"Don't wish that." Her tone was even lower than his.</p> + + <p>Neither spoke again for some time, and they did not look at + each other. But the flames flickering in the small fireplace + seemed to be talking, like a third person in the room. Aurora + moved at last, and changed her position.</p> + + <p>"I am glad that you have quarrelled with your stepfather," + she said. "He meant to do you all the harm he could. He meant + you to die of the life you were leading."</p> + + <p>"You know that?" Marcello looked up quickly.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I have heard my mother and Professor Kalmon talking + about it when they thought I was not listening. I always + pretend that I am not listening when anybody talks about you." + She laughed a little. "It is so much simpler," she added, as if + to explain. "The Professor said that your stepfather was + killing you by inches. Those were his words."</p> + + <p>"The Professor never liked him. But he was right. Have you + seen him often?"</p> + + <p>"Yes." Aurora laughed again. "He always turns up wherever we + are, pretending that it is the most unexpected meeting in the + world. He is just like a boy!"</p> + + <p>"What do you mean? Is he in love with you?"</p> + + <p>"With me? No! He is madly in love with my mother! Fancy such + a thing! When he found that we were coming back to Rome he gave + up his professorship in Milan, and he has come to live here so + as to be able to see her. So I hear them talking a great deal, + and he seems to have found out a great many things about your + stepfather which nobody ever knew. He takes an extraordinary + interest in him for some reason or other."</p> + + <p>"What has he found out?" asked Marcello.</p> + + <p>"Enough to hang him, if people could be hanged in Italy," + Aurora answered.</p> + + <p>"I should have thought Folco too clever to do anything + really against the law," said Marcello, who did not seem much + surprised at what she said.</p> + + <p>"The Professor believes that it was he that tried to kill + you."</p> + + <p>"How is that possible?" Marcello asked, in great + astonishment. "You would have seen him!"</p> + + <p>"I did. You had not been gone three minutes when he came + round to the gap in the bank where I was standing. He came from + the side towards which I had seen you go. It was perfectly + impossible that he should not have met you. The Professor says + he must have known that you were there, looking at the storm, + but that he did not know that I was with you, and that he was + lying in wait for you to strike you from behind. If we had gone + back together he would not have shown himself, that's all, and + he would have waited for a better chance. If I had only + followed you I should have seen what happened."</p> + + <p>"That is the trouble," said Marcello thoughtfully. "No one + ever saw what happened, and I remember nothing but that I fell + forward, feeling that I had been struck on the back of the + head. Did you not hear any sound?"</p> + + <p>"How could I, in such a gale as was blowing? It all looks + dreadfully likely and quite possible, and the Professor is + convinced that your stepfather has done some worse things."</p> + + <p>"Worse?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, because he did not fail in doing them, as he did when + he tried to kill you."</p> + + <p>"But what must such a man be?" cried Marcello, suddenly + breaking out in anger. "What must his life have been in all the + years before my mother married him?"</p> + + <p>"He was a kind of adventurer in South America. I don't quite + know what he did there, but Professor Kalmon has found out a + great deal about him from the Argentine Republic, where he + lived until he killed somebody and had to escape to Europe. If + I were you I would go and see the Professor, since he is in + Rome. He lives at No. 16, Via Sicilia. He will tell you a great + deal about that man when he knows that you have parted for + good."</p> + + <p>"I'll go and see him. Thank you. I cannot imagine that he + could tell me anything worse than I have already heard."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps he may," Aurora answered very gravely.</p> + + <p>Then she was silent, and Marcello could not help looking at + her as she leaned back in the corner of the sofa. Of all + things, at that moment, he dreaded lest he should lose command + of himself under the unexpected influence of her beauty, of old + memories, of the failing light, of the tender shadows that + still lingered under her eyes, of that exquisite small hand + that lay idly on the sofa beside her, just within his reach. He + rose abruptly, no longer trusting himself.</p> + + <p>"I must be going," he said.</p> + + <p>"Already? Why?" She looked up at him and their eyes met.</p> + + <p>"Because I cannot be alone with you any longer. I do not + trust myself."</p> + + <p>"Yes, you do. You are a man now, and I trust you."</p> + + <p>He had spoken roughly and harshly in his momentary + self-contempt, but her words were clear and quiet, and rang + true. He stood still in silence for a moment.</p> + + <p>"And besides," she added softly, "she trusts you too."</p> + + <p>There was a little emphasis on the word "she" and in her + tone that was a reproach, and he looked at her in wonder.</p> + + <p>"We cannot talk of her, you and I," she said, turning her + eyes to the fire, "but you know what I mean, Marcello. It is + not enough to be kind. We women do not think so much of that as + you men fancy. You must be true as well."</p> + + <p>"I know it," Marcello answered, bending his head a little. + "Good-bye, Aurora."</p> + + <p>"No. Not good-bye, for you will come again soon, and then + again, and often."</p> + + <p>"Shall I?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, because we can trust each other, though we are fond of + each other. We are not children any longer, as we used to + be."</p> + + <p>"Then I will come sometimes."</p> + + <p>He took her hand, trying not to feel that it was in his, and + he left her sitting by the rather dreary little fire, in the + rather shabby room, in the grey twilight.</p> + + <p>As he drove through the wet streets, he went over all she + had said, went over it again and again, till he knew her words + by heart. But he did not try, or dare to try, to examine what + he felt, and was going to feel. The manliness that had at last + come to its full growth in him clung to the word "true" as she + had meant it.</p> + + <p>But she, being left alone, leaned forward, resting her + elbows on her knees and clasping her hands as she gazed at the + smouldering remains of the fire. She had known well enough that + she had loved him before he had come; she had known it too well + when he had told her how he had driven Folco out of his house + for having spoken of her too carelessly. Then the blood had + rushed to her throat, beating hard, and if she had not gone + quickly to the window she felt that she must have cried for + joy. She was far too proud to let him guess that, but she was + not too proud to love him, in spite of everything, though it + meant that she compared herself with the peasant girl, and + envied her, and in all maiden innocence would have changed + places with her if she could.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_XVII'></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + + <p>It was late in the evening when Marcello reached the villa, + and was told that his stepfather had left suddenly with his + valet, before sunset, taking a good deal of luggage with him. + The coachman had driven him to the station and had seen no more + of him. He had not left any message or note for Marcello. This + was as it should be, and Marcello did not care to know whither + he had gone, since he was out of the house. He was glad, + however, that he had left Rome at once instead of going to an + hotel, which would have made an interesting topic of + conversation for gossips.</p> + + <p>Marcello vaguely wondered why Folco had told a perfectly + gratuitous falsehood about Aurora, and whether he could + possibly have lied merely for the sake of hurting him. If so, + he had got his deserts. It mattered very little now, and it was + a waste of thought to think of him at all.</p> + + <p>The young man had a big fire built in the library, and sat + down in his favourite leathern chair under the shaded light. He + was tired, but not sleepy, and he was glad to be alone at last, + for he had felt Corbario's evil presence in the house, though + they had met little of late, and it was a great relief to know + that he would never return.</p> + + <p>He was glad to be alone, and yet he felt lonely, for the one + condition did not make the other impossible. He was glad to be + able to think in peace, but when he did think, he longed for + some companionship in his thoughts, and he found that he was + wishing himself back in the room that looked down upon the + Forum of Trajan, with Aurora, and that she was telling him + again that she could trust him; and yet the very thought seemed + to mean that he was not to be trusted.</p> + + <p>Psychological problems are only interesting when they + concern other people than ourselves, for there can be no + problem where there is not a difficulty, and where the inner + self is concerned there can be no difficulty that does not + demand immediate solution if we are to find peace. Some men of + very strong and thoughtful character are conscious of a sort of + second self within themselves, to which they appeal in trouble + as Socrates to his Dæmon; but most men, in trouble and + alone, would turn to a friend if there were one at hand.</p> + + <p>Marcello had none, and he felt horribly lonely in his great + house, as the faces of two women rose before him, on the right + and left.</p> + + <p>But he was a man now, and as he sat there he determined to + face the problem bravely and to solve it once and for ever by + doing what was right, wheresoever he could convince himself + that right lay, and without any regard for his own + inclinations.</p> + + <p>He told himself that this must be possible, because where + right and wrong were concerned it was never possible to + hesitate long. A man is never so convinced that right is easy + to distinguish and to do as when he has lately made up his mind + to reform. Indeed, the weakness as well as the strength of all + reformers lies in their blind conviction that whatever strikes + them as right must be done immediately, with a haste that + strongly resembles hurry, and with no regard for consequences. + You might as well try, when an express train is running at full + speed on the wrong track, to heave it over to the right one + without stopping it and without killing the passengers. Yet + most reformers of themselves and others, from the smallest to + the greatest, seem to believe that this can be done, ought to + be done, and must be done at once.</p> + + <p>Marcello was just then a reformer of this sort. He had + become aware in the course of that afternoon that something was + seriously wrong, and as his own will and character had served + him well of late, he trusted both beforehand and set to work to + find out the right track, with the distinct intention of + violently transferring the train of his existence to it as soon + as it had been discovered. He was very sure of the result.</p> + + <p>Besides, he had been brought up by a very religious woman, + and a strong foundation of belief remained in him, and was + really the basis of all his thinking about himself. He had been + careless, thoughtless, reckless, since his mother had died, but + he had never lost that something to which a man may best go + back in trouble. Sometimes it hurt him, sometimes it comforted + him vaguely, but he was always conscious that it was there, and + had been there through all his wildest days. It was not a very + reasoning belief, for he was not an intellectual man, but it + was unchangeable and solid still in spite of all his past + weakness. It bade him do right, blindly, and only because right + was right; but it did not open his eyes to the terrible truth + that whereas right is right, the Supreme Power, which is always + in the right, does not take human life into consideration at + all, and that a man is under all circumstances bound to + consider the value of life to others, and sometimes its value + to himself, when others depend upon him for their happiness, or + safety, or welfare.</p> + + <p>Animated by the most sincere wish to find the right + direction and follow it—perhaps because Aurora had said + that she trusted him—yet blind to the dangers that beset + his path, there is no knowing how many lives Marcello might not + have wrecked by acting on the resolutions he certainly would + have made if he had been left to himself another hour.</p> + + <p>He was deep in thought, his feet stretched out to the fire, + his head leaning back against the leathern cushion of his + chair, his eyes half closed, feeling that he was quite alone + and beyond the reach of every one, if he chose to sit there + until morning wrestling with his psychological problem.</p> + + <p>He was roused by the sharp buzz of the telephone instrument + which stood on the writing-table. It was very annoying, and he + wished he had turned it off before he had sat down, but since + some one was calling he got up reluctantly to learn who wanted + him at that hour. He glanced at the clock, and saw that it was + nearly half-past ten. The instrument buzzed again as he reached + the table.</p> + + <p>"I want to see Signor Consalvi at once; is it too late?" + asked a man's voice anxiously.</p> + + <p>"I am Consalvi. Who are you, please?" asked Marcello.</p> + + <p>"Kalmon. Is it true that Corbario has left the villa?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. He left this afternoon."</p> + + <p>"Where is he now?"</p> + + <p>"He drove to the railway station. I don't know where he is + gone. He left no address."</p> + + <p>"—railway station—no address—" Marcello + heard the words as Kalmon spoke to some other person at his + elbow, wherever he was.</p> + + <p>"May I come at once?" Kalmon asked.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I am alone. I'll have the lower gate opened."</p> + + <p>"Thanks. I shall be at the gate in twenty minutes. + Good-bye."</p> + + <p>"Good-bye."</p> + + <p>Marcello hung up the receiver, rang the bell, and gave the + order for the gate, adding that the gentleman who came was to + be shown in at once. Then he sat down and waited.</p> + + <p>It was clear that Kalmon had learned of Corbario's departure + from Aurora, perhaps through her mother. He had probably dined + with them, for he was intimate at the house, and Aurora had + spoken of Marcello's visit. There was no reason why she should + not have done so, and yet Marcello wished that she had kept it + to herself a little longer. It had meant so much to him, and it + suddenly seemed as if it had meant nothing at all to her. She + had perhaps repeated to her mother everything that had been + said, or almost everything, for she was very fond of her.</p> + + <p>Marcello told himself roughly that since he had no right to + love her, and was determined not to, he had no claim upon such + little delicacies of discretion and silence on her part; and + his problem stuck up its head again out of the deep water in + which it lived, and glared at him, and shot out all sorts of + questions like the wriggling tentacles of an octopus, inviting + him to wrestle with them, if only to see how useless all + wrestling must be. He rose again impatiently, took a cigar from + a big mahogany box on the table, lit it and smoked savagely, + walking up and down.</p> + + <p>It was half finished when the door opened and Kalmon was + ushered in. He held out his hand as he came forward, with the + air of a man who has no time to lose.</p> + + <p>"I am glad to see you," Marcello said.</p> + + <p>"And I am exceedingly glad that you were at home when I + called you up," Kalmon answered. "Have you really no idea where + Corbario is?"</p> + + <p>"Not the slightest. I am only too glad to get rid of him. I + suppose the Contessa told you—"</p> + + <p>"Yes. I was dining there. But she only told me half an hour + ago, just as I was coming away, and I rushed home to get at the + telephone."</p> + + <p>It occurred to Marcello that Kalmon need not have driven all + the way to Via Sicilia from the Forum of Trajan merely for the + sake of telephoning.</p> + + <p>"But what is the hurry?" asked Marcello. "Do sit down and + explain! I heard this afternoon that you had strong suspicions + as to Folco's part in what happened to me."</p> + + <p>"Something more than suspicions now," Kalmon answered, + settling his big frame in a deep chair before the tire; "but I + am afraid he has escaped."</p> + + <p>"Escaped? He has not the slightest idea that he is + suspected!"</p> + + <p>"How do you know? Don't you see that as he is guilty, he + must have soon begun to think that the change in your manner + toward him was due to the fact that you suspected him, and that + you turned him out because you guessed the truth, though you + could not prove it?"</p> + + <p>"Perhaps," Marcello admitted, in a rather preoccupied tone. + "The young lady seems to have repeated to her mother everything + I said this afternoon," he added with evident annoyance. "Did + the Contessa tell you why I quarrelled with Folco to-day?"</p> + + <p>"No. She merely said that there had been angry words and + that you had asked him to leave the house. She herself was + surprised, she said, and wondered what could have brought + matters to a crisis at last."</p> + + <p>Marcello's face cleared instantly. Aurora had not told any + one that he had quarrelled with his stepfather about her; that + was quite evident, for there were not two more truthful people + in the world than the Contessa and Kalmon, whose bright brown + eyes were at that moment quietly studying his face.</p> + + <p>"Not that the fact matters in the least," said the + Professor, resting his feet on the fender and exposing the + broad soles of his wet walking-boots to the flame. "The + important fact is that the man has escaped, and we must catch + him."</p> + + <p>"But how are you so sure that it was he that attacked me? + You cannot arrest a man on suspicion, without going through a + great many formalities. You cannot possibly have got an + eye-witness to the fact, and so it must be a matter of + suspicion after all, founded on a certain amount of rather weak + circumstantial evidence. Now, if it was he that tried to kill + me, he failed, for I am alive, and perfectly well. Why not let + him alone, since I have got rid of him?"</p> + + <p>"For a very good reason, which I think I had better not tell + you."</p> + + <p>"Why not?"</p> + + <p>"I am not sure what you would do if you were told it + suddenly. Are your nerves pretty good? You used to be a + delicate boy, though I confess that you look much stronger + now."</p> + + <p>"You need not fear for my nerves," Marcello answered with a + short laugh. "If they are sound after what I have been through + in the last two years they will stand anything!"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Perhaps you had better know, though I warn you that + what I am going to say will be a shock to you, of which you do + not dream."</p> + + <p>"You must be exaggerating!" Marcello smiled incredulously. + "You had better tell me at once, or I shall imagine it is much + worse than it is."</p> + + <p>"It could not be," Kalmon answered. "It is hard even to + tell, and not only because what happened was in a distant way + my fault."</p> + + <p>"Your fault? For heaven's sake tell me what the matter is, + and let us be done with it!"</p> + + <p>"Corbario wanted to get possession of your whole fortune. + That is why he tried to kill you."</p> + + <p>"Yes. Is that all? You have made me understand that + already."</p> + + <p>"He had conceived the plan before your mother's death," said + Kalmon.</p> + + <p>"That would not surprise me either. But how do you know + it?"</p> + + <p>"Do you remember that discovery of mine, that I called 'the + sleeping death'?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. What has that to do with it?" Marcello's expression + changed.</p> + + <p>"Corbario stole one of the tablets from the tube in my + pocket, while I was asleep that night."</p> + + <p>"What?" Marcello began to grow pale.</p> + + <p>"Your mother died asleep," said Kalmon in a very low + voice.</p> + + <p>Marcello was transfixed with horror, and grasped the arms of + his chair. His face was livid. Kalmon watched him, and + continued.</p> + + <p>"Yes. Corbario did it. Your mother used to take phenacetine + tablets when she had headaches. They were very like the tablets + of my poison in size and shape. Corbario stole into my room + when I was sound asleep, took one of mine, and dropped in one + of hers. Then he put mine amongst the phenacetine ones. She + took it, slept, and died."</p> + + <p>Marcello gasped for breath, his eyes starting from his + head.</p> + + <p>"You see," Kalmon went on, "it was long before I found that + my tablets had been tampered with. There had been seven in the + tube. I knew that, and when I glanced at the tube next day + there were seven still. The tube was of rather thick blue + glass, if you remember, so that the very small difference + between the one tablet and the rest could not be seen through + it. I went to Milan almost immediately, and when I got home I + locked up the tube in a strong-box. It was not until long + afterwards, when I wanted to make an experiment, that I opened + the tube and emptied the contents into a glass dish. Then I saw + that one tablet was unlike the rest. I saw that it had been + made by a chemist and not by myself. I analysed it and found + five grains of phenacetine."</p> + + <p>Marcello leaned back, listening intently, and still deadly + pale.</p> + + <p>"You did not know that I was trying to find out how you had + been hurt, that I was in communication with the police from the + first, that I came to Rome and visited you in the hospital + before you recovered your memory. The Contessa was very anxious + to know the truth about her old friend's son, and I did what I + could. That was natural. Something told me that Corbario had + tried to kill you, and I suspected him, but it is only lately + that I have got all the evidence we need. There is not a link + lacking. Well, when I came to Rome that time, it chanced that I + met Corbario at the station. He had come by the same train, and + was looking dreadfully ill. That increased my suspicion, for I + knew that his anxiety must be frightful, since you might have + seen him when he struck you, and might recognise him, and + accuse him. Yet he could not possibly avoid meeting you. + Imagine what that man must have felt. He tried to smile when he + saw me, and said he wished he had one of those sleeping tablets + of mine. You understand. He thought I had already missed the + one he had taken, though I had not, and that he had better + disarm any possible suspicion by speaking of the poison + carelessly. Then his face turned almost yellow, and he nearly + fainted. He said it was the heat, and I helped him to his + carriage. He looked like a man terrified out of his senses, and + I remembered the fact afterwards, when I found that one tablet + had been stolen; but at the time I attributed it all to his + fear of facing you. Now we know the truth. He tried to murder + you, and on the same day he poisoned your mother."</p> + + <p>Kalmon sat quite still when he had finished, and for a long + time Marcello did not move, and made no sound. At last he spoke + in a dull voice.</p> + + <p>"I want to kill him myself."</p> + + <p>The Professor glanced at him and nodded slowly, as if he + understood the simple instinct of justice that moved him.</p> + + <p>"If I see him, I shall kill him," Marcello said slowly. "I + am sure I shall."</p> + + <p>"I am afraid that he has escaped," Kalmon answered. "Of + course there is a possibility that he may have had some object + in deceiving your coachman by driving to the railway station, + but it is not at all likely. He probably took the first train + to the north."</p> + + <p>"But he can be stopped at the frontier!"</p> + + <p>"Do you think Corbario is the man to let himself be trapped + easily if he knows that he is pursued?" asked Kalmon + incredulously. "I do not."</p> + + <p>He rose from his chair and began to walk up and down, his + hands behind him and his head bent.</p> + + <p>Marcello paid no attention to him and was silent for a long + time, sitting quite motionless and scarcely seeming to breathe. + What he felt he never could have told afterwards; he only knew + that he suffered in every fibre of his brain and body, with + every nerve of his heart and in every secret recess of his + soul. His mother seemed to have been dead so long, beyond the + break in his memory. The dreadful truth he had just heard made + her die again before his eyes, by the hand of the man whom he + and she had trusted.</p> + + <p>"Kalmon," he said at last, and the Professor stopped short + in his walk. "Kalmon, do you think she knows?"</p> + + <p>It was like the cry of a child, but it came from a man who + was already strong. Kalmon could only shake his head gravely; + he could find nothing to say in answer to such a question, and + yet he was too human and kind and simple-hearted not to + understand the words that rose to Marcello's lips.</p> + + <p>"Then she was happy to the end—then she still believes + in him."</p> + + <p>Kalmon turned his clear eyes thoughtfully towards Marcello's + face.</p> + + <p>"She is gone," he answered. "She knows the great secret now. + The rest is nothing to the dead. But we are living and it is + much to us. The man must be brought to justice, and you must + help me to bring him down, if we have to hunt him round the + world."</p> + + <p>"By God, I will!" said Marcello, in the tone of one who + takes a solemn obligation.</p> + + <p>He rose and stood upright, as if he were ready, and though + he was still pale there was no look of weak horror left in his + face, nor any weakness at all.</p> + + <p>"Good!" exclaimed Kalmon. "I would rather see you so. Now + listen to me, and collect your thoughts, Marcello. Ercole is in + Rome. You remember Ercole, your keeper at the cottage by the + shore? Yes. I got the last link in the evidence about + Corbario's attack on you from him to-day. He is a strange + fellow. He has known it since last summer and has kept it to + himself. But he is one of those diabolically clever peasants + that one meets in the Campagna, and he must have his reasons. I + told him to sleep at my house to-night, and when I went home he + was sitting up in the entry with his dog. I have sent him to + the station to find out whether Corbario really left or not. + You don't think he will succeed? I tell you there are few + detectives to be compared with one of those fellows when they + are on the track of a man they hate. I told him to come here, + no matter how late it might be, since he is your man. I suppose + he can get in?"</p> + + <p>"Of course. There is a night-bell for the porter. Ercole + knows that. Besides, the porter will not go to bed as long as + you are here. While we are waiting for him, tell me what Ercole + has found out."</p> + + <p>They sat down again, and Kalmon told Marcello the sailor's + story of what his captain had seen from the deck of the + brigantine. Marcello listened gravely.</p> + + <p>"I remember that there was a small vessel very far in," he + said. "Aurora will remember it, too, for she watched it and + spoke of it. We thought it must run aground on the bar, it was + so very near."</p> + + <p>"Yes. She remembers it, too. The evidence is complete."</p> + + <p>There was silence again. Marcello threw another log upon the + fire, and they waited. Kalmon smoked thoughtfully, but Marcello + leaned back in his chair, covering his eyes with one hand. The + pain had not begun to be dulled yet, and he could only sit + still and bear it.</p> + + <p>At last the door opened, and a servant said that Ercole was + waiting, and had been ordered to come, no matter how late it + was. A moment later he appeared, and for once without his + dog.</p> + + <p>He stood before the door as it closed behind him waiting to + be told to come forward. Marcello spoke kindly to him.</p> + + <p>"Come here," he said. "It is a long time since we saw each + other, and now we are in a hurry."</p> + + <p>Ercole's heavy boots rang on the polished floor as he obeyed + and came up to the table. He looked gloomily and suspiciously + at both men.</p> + + <p>"Well?" said Kalmon, encouraging him to speak.</p> + + <p>"He is still in Rome," Ercole answered. "How do I know it? I + began to ask the porters and the under station-masters who wear + red caps, and the woman who sells newspapers and cigars at the + stand, and the man who clips the tickets at the doors of the + waiting-rooms. 'Did you see a gentleman, so and so, with a + servant, so and so, and much luggage, going away by the train? + For I am his keeper from the Roman shore, and he told me to be + here when he went away, to give him a certain answer.' So I + said, going from one to another, and weeping to show that it + was a very urgent matter. And many shook their heads and + laughed at me. But at last a porter heard, and asked if the + gentleman were so and so. And I said yes, that he was so and + so, and his servant was so and so, and that the gentleman was a + rich gentleman. And the porter said, 'See what a combination! + That is the gentleman who had all his luggage brought in this + afternoon, to be weighed; but it was not weighed, for he came + back after a quarter of an hour, and took some small things and + had them put upon a cab, but the other boxes were left in + deposit.' Then I took out four sous and showed them to the + porter, and he led me to a certain hall, and showed me the + luggage, which is that of the man we seek, and it is marked + 'F.C.' So when I had seen, I made a show of being joyful, and + gave the porter five sous instead of four. And he was very + contented. This is the truth. So I say, he is still in + Rome."</p> + + <p>"I told you so," said Kalmon, looking at Marcello.</p> + + <p>"Excuse me, but what did you tell the young gentleman?" + asked Ercole suspiciously.</p> + + <p>"That you would surely find out," Kalmon answered.</p> + + <p>"I have found out many things," said Ercole gloomily.</p> + + <p>His voice was very harsh just then, as if speaking so much + had made him hoarse.</p> + + <p>"He took some of his things away because he meant to spend + the night in Rome," Kalmon said thoughtfully. "He means to + leave to-morrow, perhaps by an early train. If we do not find + him to-night, we shall not catch him in Rome at all."</p> + + <p>"Surely," said Ercole, "but Rome is very big, and it is + late."</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_XVIII'></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + + <p>It was still raining when the three men left the villa, and + the night was very dark, for the young moon had already set. + The wind howled round San Pietro in Montorio and the Spanish + Academy, and whistled through the branches of the plane-trees + along the winding descent, and furiously tore the withering + leaves. They struck Ercole's weather-beaten face as he sat + beside the coachman with bent head, with his soft hat pulled + down over his eyes, and the rain dripped from his coarse + moustache. Kalmon and Marcello leaned as far back as they + could, under the deep hood and behind the high leathern + apron.</p> + + <p>"There is some animal following us," the cabman said to + Ercole as they turned a corner.</p> + + <p>"It is my dog," Ercole answered.</p> + + <p>"It sounds like a calf," said the cabman, turning his head + to listen through the storm.</p> + + <p>"It is not a calf," answered Ercole gruffly. "It is my dog. + Or if you wish it to be the were-wolf, it will be the + were-wolf."</p> + + <p>The cabman glanced uneasily at his companion on the box, for + the were-wolf is a thing of terror to Romans. But he could not + see the countryman's features in the gloom, and he hastened his + horse's pace down the hill, for he did not like the sound of + those galloping feet behind his cab, in that lonely road, in + the dark and the rain.</p> + + <p>"Where am I to go?" he asked, as he came near the place + where a turn to the right leads out of the Via Garibaldi down + to the Via Luciano Manara.</p> + + <p>But Kalmon knew where they were, even better than Marcello, + to whom the road was familiar by day and night, in all + weathers.</p> + + <p>"We must leave that message first," said the Professor to + Marcello. "We are coming to the turning."</p> + + <p>"To Santa Cecilia," Marcello called out to the cabman, + thrusting his head forward into the rain, "then I will tell you + where to go."</p> + + <p>"Santa Cecilia," echoed the cabman.</p> + + <p>Ercole growled something quite unintelligible, to which his + companion paid no attention, and the cab rattled on through the + rain down the long paved street. It made such a noise that the + dog's feet could not be heard any more. There were more lamps, + too, and it seemed less gloomy than up there under the + plane-trees, though there were no lights in the windows at that + late hour.</p> + + <p>"Now to the right," said Ercole, as they reached the back of + Saint Cecilia's at the Via Anicia.</p> + + <p>"To the right!" Marcello called out a second later from + under the hood.</p> + + <p>"You seem to know the way," said the cabman to Ercole. "Why + don't you give me the address of the house at once and be done + with it?"</p> + + <p>"I know the house, but not the street, nor the number."</p> + + <p>"I understand. Does your dog also know the house?"</p> + + <p>To this question Ercole made no answer, for he considered + that it was none of the cabman's business, and, moreover, he + regretted having shown that he knew where his master was going. + Marcello now gave the final direction to the cabman, who drew + up before a door in a wall, in a narrow lane, where the walls + were high and the doors were few. It was the garden entrance to + the little house in Trastevere.</p> + + <p>Marcello got out, opened the door with the key he carried, + and went in. It was raining hard, and he disappeared into the + darkness, shutting the door behind him. It had a small modern + lock with a spring latch that clicked sharply as it shut. The + cab had stopped with the door on the left, and therefore on the + side on which Ercole was sitting. Nino, the dog, came up from + behind, with his tongue hanging out, blood-red in the feeble + light of the cab's lamp; he put his head up above the low front + wheel to have a look at Ercole. Being satisfied, he at once lay + down on the wet stones, with his muzzle towards the door.</p> + + <p>Two or three minutes passed thus, in total silence. The + cab-horse hung his head patiently under the driving rain, but + neither stamped on the paving stones nor shook himself, nor + panted audibly, for he was a pretty good horse, as cab-horses + go, and was not tired.</p> + + <p>Suddenly Nino growled without moving, the ominous low growl + of a dog that can kill, and Ercole growled at him in turn, + making a sound intended to impose silence. There was no reason + why Nino should growl at Marcello. But Nino rose slowly upon + his quarters, as if he were about to spring at the door, and + his rough coat bristled along his back. Then Ercole distinctly + heard the latch click as it had done when Marcello went in, and + Nino put his muzzle to the crack of the closed door and sniffed + up and down it, and then along the stone step. To Ercole it was + clear that some person within had opened the door noiselessly a + little way and had shut it again rather hurriedly, on hearing + the dog and seeing the cab. Whoever it was had wished to see if + there were any one outside, without being seen, or perhaps had + meant to slip out without being heard by any one in the + house.</p> + + <p>Kalmon, leaning back inside, had not heard the sound of the + latch, and paid no attention to Nino's growl. It was natural + that such an animal should growl and snarl for nothing, he + thought, especially on a rainy night, when the lamps of a cab + throw strange patches of light on the glistening pavement.</p> + + <p>There was some reason why Ercole, who had heard, did not get + down and tell the Professor, who had noticed nothing. One + reason, and a good enough one, was that whoever it was that had + opened the door so cautiously, it certainly was not the man + they were all hunting that night. Yet since Ercole knew the + little house, and probably knew who lived there, and that it + belonged to Marcello, it might have been supposed that he would + have told the latter, whose footsteps were heard on the gravel + a few moments afterwards. But though Marcello stood a moment by + the wheel close to Ercole, and spoke across him to the cabman, + Ercole said nothing. Nino had not growled at Marcello, even + before the latter had appeared, for Nino had a good memory, for + a dog, and doubtless remembered long days spent by the Roman + shore, and copious leavings thrown to him from luxurious + luncheons. Before they had left the villa he had sniffed at + Marcello's clothes and hands in a manner that was meant to be + uncommonly friendly, though it might not have seemed reassuring + to a stranger; and Marcello had patted his huge head, and + called him by name.</p> + + <p>The young man had given the cabman the address of the office + of the Chief of Police, and when he had got in and hooked up + the leathern apron, the cab rolled away over the stones through + the dark streets, towards the bridge of Saint Bartholomew.</p> + + <p>Within the house Regina sat alone, as Marcello had found + her, her chin resting on the back of her closed hand, her elbow + on her knee, her eyes gazing at the bright little fire that + blazed on the polished hearth. Her hair was knotted for the + night, low down on her neck, and the loose dressing-gown of + dove-coloured silk plush was unfastened at the neck, where a + little lace fell about her strong white throat.</p> + + <p>She had sprung to her feet in happy surprise when Marcello + had entered the room, though it was not two hours since he had + left her, and she could still smell the smoke of his last + cigarette. She had felt a sudden chill when she had seen his + face, for she never saw him look grave and preoccupied without + believing that he had grown suddenly tired of her, and that the + end had come. But then she had seen his eyes lighten for her, + and she had known that he was not tired of her, but only very + much in earnest and very much in a hurry.</p> + + <p>He had bidden her find out from Settimia where Corbario was, + if the woman knew it; he had told her to find out at any cost, + and had put a great deal of emphasis on the last words. In + answer to the one question she asked, he told her that Corbario + was a murderer, and was trying to escape. He had not time to + explain more fully, but he knew that he could count on her. She + did not love Folco Corbario, and she came of a race that could + hate, for it was the race of the Roman hill peasants. So he + left her quickly and went on.</p> + + <p>But when he was gone, Regina sat quite still for some time, + looking at the fire. Settimia was safe in her own room, and was + probably asleep. It would be soon enough to wake her when + Regina had considered what she should say in order to get the + information Marcello wanted. Settimia would deny having had any + communication with Corbario, or that she knew anything of his + whereabouts. The next step would probably be to tempt her with + money or other presents. If this failed, what was to be done? + Somehow Regina guessed that a bribe would not have much effect + on the woman.</p> + + <p>Marcello had wished to send her away long ago, but Regina + had persuaded him to let her stay. It was part of her hatred of + Corbario to accumulate proofs against him, and they were not + lacking in the letters he wrote to Settimia. Regina could not + understand the relation in which they stood to each other, but + now and then she had found passages in the letters which + referred neither to herself nor Marcello, but to things that + had happened a good many years ago in another country. She was + convinced that the two had once been companions in some + nefarious business, of which they had escaped the consequences. + It was her intention to find out exactly what the deed had + been, and then to bring Corbario to ruin by exposing it. It was + a simple scheme, but it seemed a sure one, and Regina was very + patient. Corbario had tried to separate her from Marcello, and + she had sworn that he should pay her for that; and besides, he + had wished to kill Marcello in order to get his money. That was + bad, undoubtedly—very bad; but to her peasant mind it was + not unnatural. She had heard all her life of crimes committed + for the sake of an inheritance; and so have most of us, and in + countries that fondly believe themselves much more civilised + than Italy. That was extremely wicked, but the attempt had + failed, and it sank into insignificance in comparison with the + heinous crime of trying to separate two lovers by treachery. + That was what Regina would not forgive Corbario.</p> + + <p>Nor would she pardon Settimia, who had been Corbario's + instrument and helper; and as she meant to include the woman in + her vengeance, she would not let her go, but kept her, and + treated her so generously and unsuspiciously that Settimia was + glad to stay, since Corbario still wished it.</p> + + <p>Regina looked at the little travelling-clock that stood on + the low table at her elbow, and saw that it was half-past + eleven. Behind the drawn curtains she could hear the rain + beating furiously against the shutters, but all was quiet + within the house. Regina listened, for Settimia's room was + overhead, and when she moved about her footsteps could be heard + in the sitting-room. Regina had heard her just before Marcello + had come in, but there was no sound now; she had probably gone + to bed. Regina lit a candle and went into her own room.</p> + + <p>On a shelf near the little toilet-table there was a box, + covered with old velvet, in which she kept the few simple pins + and almost necessary bits of jewellery which she had been + willing to accept from Marcello. She took it down, set it upon + the toilet-table and opened it. A small silver-mounted revolver + lay amongst the other things, for Marcello had insisted that + she should have a weapon of some kind, because the house seemed + lonely to him. He had shown her how to use it, but she had + forgotten. She took it out, and turned it over and over in her + hands, with a puzzled look. She did not even know whether it + was loaded or not, and did not remember how to open the + chamber. She wondered how the thing worked, and felt rather + afraid of it. Besides, if she had to use it, it would make a + dreadful noise; so she put it back carefully amongst the + things.</p> + + <p>There were the cheap little earrings she had worn ever since + she had been a child, till Marcello had made her take them out + and wear none at all. There was a miserable little brooch of + tarnished silver which she had bought with her own money at a + country fair, and which had once seemed very fine to her. She + had not the slightest sentiment about such trifles, for Italian + peasants are altogether the least sentimental people in the + world; the things were not even good enough to give to + Settimia, and yet it seemed wrong to throw them away, so she + had always kept them, with a vague idea of giving them to some + poor little girl, to whom they would represent happiness. With + them lay the long pin she used to stick through her hair on + Sundays when she went to church.</p> + + <p>It had been her mother's, and it was the only thing she + possessed which had belonged to the murdered woman who had + given her birth. It was rather a fine specimen of the pins worn + by the hill peasant women, and was made like a little + cross-hilted sword, with a blade of fire-gilt steel about eight + inches long. A little gilt ball was screwed upon the point, + intended to keep the pin from coming out after it was thrust + through the hair. Regina took the ball off and felt the point, + which was as sharp as that of a pen-knife; and she tried the + blade with her hands and found that it did not bend easily. It + was strong enough for what she wanted of it. She stuck it + through the heavy knot of her hair, rather low down at the back + of her neck, where she could easily reach it with her right + hand; but she did not screw on the ball. It was not likely that + the pin would fall out. She was very deliberate in all she did; + she even put up her hand two or three times, without looking at + herself in the mirror, to be quite sure where to find the hilt + of the pin if she should need it. Marcello had told her to get + the information he wanted "at any cost."</p> + + <p>Then she went back, with her candle, through the cheerful + sitting-room, and out through a small vestibule that was now + dark, and up the narrow staircase to find Settimia.</p> + + <p>She knocked, and the woman opened, and Regina was a little + surprised to see that she was still dressed. She was pale, and + looked very anxious as she faced her mistress in the + doorway.</p> + + <p>"What is the matter?" she asked, rather nervously.</p> + + <p>"Nothing," Regina answered in a reassuring tone. "I had + forgotten to tell you about a little change I want in the + trimming of that hat, and as I heard you moving about, I came + up before going to bed."</p> + + <p>Settimia had taken off her shoes more than half an hour + earlier in order to make no noise, and her suspicions and her + fears were instantly aroused. She drew her lids together a + little and looked over Regina's shoulder through the open door + towards the dark staircase. She was not a tall woman, and was + slightly made, but she was energetic and could be quick when + she chose, as Regina knew. Regina quietly shut the door behind + her and came forward into the room, carrying her candle-stick, + which she set down upon the table near the lamp.</p> + + <p>"Where is that hat?" she asked, so naturally that the woman + began to think nothing was wrong after all.</p> + + <p>Settimia turned to cross the room, in order to get the hat + in question from a pasteboard bandbox that stood on the floor. + Regina followed her, and stood beside her as she bent down.</p> + + <p>Then without the slightest warning Regina caught her arms + from behind and threw her to her knees, so that she was forced + to crouch down, her head almost touching the floor. She was no + more than a child in the peasant woman's hands as soon as she + was fairly caught. But she did not scream, and she seemed to be + keeping her senses about her.</p> + + <p>"What do you want of me?" she asked, speaking with + difficulty.</p> + + <p>Policemen know that ninety-nine out of a hundred criminals + ask that question when they are taken.</p> + + <p>"I want to know several things," Regina answered.</p> + + <p>"Let me go, and I will tell you what I can."</p> + + <p>"No, you won't," Regina replied, looking about her for + something with which to tie the woman's hands, for she had + forgotten that this might be necessary. "I shall not let you go + until I know everything."</p> + + <p>She felt that Settimia's thin hands were cautiously trying + the strength of her own and turning a very little in her grasp. + She threw her weight upon the woman's shoulders to keep her + down, grasped both wrists in one hand, and with the other tore + off the long silk cord that tied her own dressing-gown at the + waist. It was new and strong.</p> + + <p>"You had better not struggle," she said, as she got the + first turn round Settimia's wrists and began to pull it tight. + "You are in my power now. It is of no use to scream either, for + nobody will hear you."</p> + + <p>"I know it," the woman replied. "What are you going to do + with me?"</p> + + <p>"I shall ask questions. If you answer them, I shall not hurt + you. If you do not, I shall hurt you until you do, or until you + die. Now I am going to tie your wrists to your heels, so that + you cannot move. Then I will put a pillow under your head, so + that you can be pretty comfortable while we talk a little."</p> + + <p>She spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, which terrified Settimia + much more than any dramatic display of anger or hatred could + have done. In a few moments the woman was bound hand and foot. + Regina turned her upon her side, and arranged a pillow under + her head as she had promised to do. Then she sat down upon the + floor beside the pillow and looked at her calmly.</p> + + <p>"In this way we can talk," she said.</p> + + <p>Settimia's rather stony eyes were wide with fear now, as she + lay on her side, watching Regina's face.</p> + + <p>"I have always served you faithfully," she said. "I cannot + understand why you treat me so cruelly."</p> + + <p>"Yes," Regina answered, unmoved, "you have been an excellent + maid, and I am sorry that I am obliged to tie you up like the + calves that are taken to the city on carts. Now tell me, where + is Signor Corbario?"</p> + + <p>"How should I know?" whined Settimia, evidently more + frightened. "I know nothing about Signor Corbario. I swear that + I have hardly ever seen him. How can I possibly know where he + is? He is probably at his house, at this hour."</p> + + <p>"No. You know very well that he has left the villa. It will + not serve to tell lies, nor to say that you know nothing about + him, for I am sure you do. Now listen. I wish to persuade you + with good words. You and Signor Corbario were in South America + together."</p> + + <p>Settimia's face expressed abject terror.</p> + + <p>"Never!" she cried, rocking her bound body sideways in an + instinctive attempt to emphasise her words by a gesture. "I + swear before heaven, and the saints, and the holy—"</p> + + <p>"It is useless," Regina interrupted. "You have not forgotten + what you and he did in Salta ten years ago. You remember how + suddenly Padilla died, when 'Doctor' Corbario was attending + him, and you were his nurse, don't you?"</p> + + <p>She fixed her eyes sternly on Settimia's, and the woman + turned livid, and ground her teeth.</p> + + <p>"You are the devil!" she said hoarsely. "But it is all a + lie!" she cried, suddenly trying denial again. "I was never in + South America, never, never, never!"</p> + + <p>"This is a lie," observed Regina, with perfect calm. "If you + do not tell me where Signor Corbario is to-night, I shall go to + the police to-morrow and tell all I know about you."</p> + + <p>"You know nothing. What is all this that you are inventing? + You are a wicked woman!"</p> + + <p>"Take care! Perhaps I am a wicked woman. Who knows! I am not + a saint, but you are not my confessor. It is the contrary, + perhaps; and perhaps you will have to confess to me this night, + before going to the other world, if you confess at all. Where + is Signor Corbario?"</p> + + <p>As she asked the question, she quietly took the long pin + from her hair and began to play with the point.</p> + + <p>"Are you going to murder me?" groaned the wretched woman, + watching the terrible little weapon.</p> + + <p>"I should not call it murder to kill you. This point is + sharp. Should you like to feel it? You shall. In this way you + will perhaps be persuaded to speak."</p> + + <p>She gently pressed the point against Settimia's cheek.</p> + + <p>"Don't move, or you will scratch yourself," she said, as the + woman tried to draw back her face. "Now, will you tell me where + Signor Corbario is? I want to know."</p> + + <p>Settimia must have feared Corbario more than she feared + Regina and the sharp pin at that moment, for she shook her head + and set her teeth. Perhaps she believed that Regina was only + threatening her, and did not mean to do her any real bodily + hurt; but in this she was misled by Regina's very quiet + manner.</p> + + <p>"I shall wait a little while," said Regina, almost + indifferently, "and then, if you do not tell me, I shall begin + to kill you. It may take a long time, and you will scream a + good deal, but nobody will hear you. Now think a little, and + decide what you will do."</p> + + <p>Regina laid the pin upon the floor beside her, drew up her + knees, and clasped her hands together over them, as the hill + women often sit for hours when they are waiting for + anything.</p> + + <p>Her face hardened slowly until it had an expression which + Marcello had never seen. It was not a look of cruelty, nor of + fierce anticipated satisfaction in what she meant to do; it was + simply cold and relentless, and Settimia gazed with terror on + the splendid marble profile, so fearfully distinct against the + dark wall in the bright light of the lamp. The strength of the + woman, quietly waiting to kill, seemed to fill the room; her + figure seemed to grow gigantic in the terrified eyes of her + prisoner; the slow, regular heave of her bosom as she breathed + was telling the seconds and minutes of fate, that would never + reach an hour.</p> + + <p>It is bad to see death very near when one is tied hand and + foot and cannot fight for life. Most people cannot bear the + sight quietly for a quarter of an hour; they break down + altogether, or struggle furiously, like animals, though they + know it is perfectly useless and that they have no chance. + Anything is easier than to lie still, watching the knife and + wondering when and where it is going to enter into the + flesh.</p> + + <p>Regina sat thinking and ready. She wished that she had + Corbario himself in her power, but it was something to have the + woman who had helped him. She was very glad that she had + insisted on keeping Settimia in spite of Marcello's + remonstrances. It had made it possible to obtain the + information he wanted, and which, she felt sure, was to lead to + Corbario's destruction. She was to find out "at any cost"; + those had been Marcello's words, and she supposed he knew that + she would obey him to the letter. For she said to herself that + he was the master, and that if she did not obey him in such a + matter, when he seemed so much in earnest, he would be + disappointed, and angry, and would then grow quickly tired of + her, and so the end would come. "At any cost," as he had said + it in his haste, meant to Regina at the cost of blood, and + life, and limb, if need were. Corbario was the enemy of the man + she loved; it was her lover's pleasure to find out his enemy + and to be revenged at last; what sort of woman must she be if + she did not help him? what was her love worth if she did not + obey him? He had been always kind to her, and more than kind; + but it would have been quite the same if he had treated her + worse than a dog, provided he did not send her away from him. + She belonged to him, and he was the master, to do as he + pleased. If he sent her away, she would go; but if not, he + might have beaten her and she would never have complained. Now + that he had given a simple command, she was not going to + disobey him. She had pride, but it was not for him, and in her + veins the blood of sixty generations of slaves and serfs had + come down to her through two thousand years, the blood of men + who had killed when they were bidden to kill by their masters, + whose masters had killed them like sheep in war and often in + peace, of women who had been reckoned as goods and as chattels + with the land on which their mothers had borne them—of + men and women too often familiar with murder and sudden death + from their cradles to their graves.</p> + + <p>The minutes passed and Settimia's terror grew till the room + swam with her, and she lost hold upon herself, and did not know + whether she screamed or was silent, as her parched lips opened + wide upon her parted teeth. But she had made no sound, and + Regina did not even look at her. Death had not come yet; there + was a respite of seconds, perhaps of minutes.</p> + + <p>At last Regina unclasped her hands and took up the pin + again. The miserable woman fancied that she already felt the + little blade creeping through her flesh and blood on its way to + her heart. For Regina had said she would take a long time to + kill her. It must have been a strong reason that could keep her + silent still, if she knew the answer to the question.</p> + + <p>Regina turned her head very slowly and looked coldly down at + the agonised face.</p> + + <p>"I am tired," she said. "I cannot wait any longer."</p> + + <p>Settimia's eyes seemed to be starting from her head, and her + dry lips were stretched till they cracked, and she thought she + had screamed again; but she had not, for her throat was + paralysed with fear. Regina rose upon her knees beside the + pillow, with the pin in her right hand.</p> + + <p>"Where is Corbario?" she asked, looking down. "If you will + not tell I shall hurt you."</p> + + <p>Settimia's lips moved, as if she were trying to speak, but + no words came from them. Regina got up from the floor, went to + the washstand and poured some water into the glass, for she + thought it possible that the woman was really unable to utter a + sound because her throat was parched with fear. But she could + speak a little as soon as Regina left her side, and the last + peril seemed a few seconds less near.</p> + + <p>"For the love of God, don't kill me yet," she moaned. "Let + me speak first!"</p> + + <p>Regina came back, knelt down, and set the glass on the + floor, beside the pin.</p> + + <p>"That is all I want," she said quietly, "that you should + speak."</p> + + <p>"Water," moaned Settimia, turning her eyes to the glass.</p> + + <p>Regina held up her head a little and set the tumbler to her + lips, and she drank eagerly. The fear of death is more parching + than wound-fever or passion.</p> + + <p>"Now you can surely talk a little," Regina said.</p> + + <p>"Why do you wish to know where he is?" Settimia asked in a + weak voice. "Are the police looking for him? What has he done? + Why do you want me to betray him?"</p> + + <p>"These are too many questions," Regina answered. "I have + been told to make you tell where he is, and I will. That is + enough."</p> + + <p>"I do not know where he is."</p> + + <p>In an instant the point of the sharp little blade was + pressing against the woman's throat, harder and harder; one + second more and it would pierce the skin and draw blood.</p> + + <p>"Stop," she screamed, with a convulsion of her whole body. + "He is in the house!"</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_XIX'></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + + <p>With a single movement Regina was on her feet, for she had + been taken by surprise, and her first instinct was to be ready + for some new and unsuspected danger. In a flash it seemed to + her that since Corbario was in the house, he might very + possibly enter suddenly and take Settimia's defence. Regina was + not afraid of him, but she was only a woman after all, and + Corbario was not a man to stop at trifles. He was very likely + armed, and would perhaps shoot her, in order to make good his + escape with Settimia, unless, as was quite probable, he killed + his old accomplice too, before leaving the room.</p> + + <p>Regina stood still a moment, reflecting on the dangerous + situation. It certainly would not be safe to release Settimia + yet; for if Corbario were really in the house, the two together + could easily overpower one woman, though she was strong.</p> + + <p>"I am sorry that I cannot untie you yet," Regina said, and + with a glance at the prostrate figure she took up her + candle-stick, stuck her pin through her hair before the mirror, + and went to the door.</p> + + <p>She took the key from the lock, put it back on the outside, + and turned it, and put it into her pocket when she had shut the + door after her. Then she slowly descended the stairs, stopping + now and then to listen. and shading her candle with her hand so + that she could see over it, for she expected to be attacked at + any moment. At the slightest sound she would have snatched her + pin from her hair again, but she heard nothing, and went + cautiously down till she reached the vestibule outside the + sitting-room. She entered the latter and sat down to think.</p> + + <p>Should she boldly search the house? Settimia could hardly + have had any object in lying. If she had meant to frighten + Regina, she would have spoken very differently. She would have + made out that Corbario was almost within hearing, waiting in a + dark corner with a loaded revolver. But her words had been the + cry of truth, uttered to save her life at the moment when death + was actually upon her. She would have screamed out the truth + just as certainly if Corbario had already left Rome, or if he + were in some hotel for the night—or even if she had + really known nothing. In the last case Regina would have + believed her, and would have let her go. There is no mistaking + the accent of mortal terror, whether one has ever heard it or + not.</p> + + <p>Corbario was somewhere in the house, Marcello's enemy, and + the man she herself had long hated. A wild longing came over + her to have him in her power, bound hand and foot like + Settimia, and then to torment him at her pleasure until he + died. She felt the strength of half a dozen men in her, and the + courage of an army, as she rose to her feet once more. She had + seen him. He was not a big man. If she could catch him from + behind, as she had caught the woman, she might perhaps + overpower him. With the thought of near revenge the last ray of + caution disappeared, and from being fearless Regina became + suddenly reckless.</p> + + <p>But as she rose, she heard a sound overhead, and it was the + unmistakable sound of footsteps. She started in surprise. It + was simply impossible that Settimia should have loosed the cord + that bound her. Regina had been brought up in the low hill + country and in the Campagna, and she could tie some of the + knots used by Roman muleteers and carters, which hold as well + as those men learn at sea. She had tied Settimia very firmly, + and short of a miracle the woman could not have freed herself. + Yet the footsteps had been distinctly audible for a moment. + Since Settimia was not walking about, Corbario must have got + into the room. Yet Regina had locked the door, and had the key + in her pocket. It was perfectly incomprehensible. She left the + sitting-room again, carrying her candle as before; but at the + door she turned back, and set the candle-stick upon the table. + She would be safer in the dark, and would have a better chance + of taking Corbario by surprise.</p> + + <p>Poor Regina had not grown up amongst people who had a high + standard of honour, and her own ideas about right and wrong + were primitive, to speak charitably. But if she had dreamt of + the deed that was being done upstairs, her heart would have + stood still, and she would have felt sick at the mere thought + of such villainy.</p> + + <p>She had left the room and locked the door, and while her + footsteps had been audible on the stairs no other sound had + broken the stillness. But a few seconds later a whispered + question came from some person out of sight.</p> + + <p>"Is she gone?" the whisper asked.</p> + + <p>"Yes," answered Settimia in a very low voice, which she knew + Regina could not hear.</p> + + <p>Corbario's pale face cautiously emerged from the closet in + which he had been hidden, and he looked round the room before + he stepped out. Settimia could not turn over to see him, but + she heard him coming towards her.</p> + + <p>"Cut this cord," she said in an undertone. "Make haste! We + can be out of the house in less than half a minute."</p> + + <p>Corbario knelt beside her, and took out a handsome English + clasp-knife. But he did not cut the cord. He looked down into + Settimia's face, and she understood.</p> + + <p>"I could not help it," she answered. "She would have killed + me!"</p> + + <p>Corbario laid his left hand upon her throat.</p> + + <p>"If you try to scream I shall strangle you," he said in a + whisper. "You have betrayed me, and I cannot afford to trust + you again. Do you know what I am going to do?"</p> + + <p>She tried to turn her head, but his hand was heavy on her + throat. She strained frightfully to move, and her stony eyes + lit up with a dying glare of terror.</p> + + <p>"Do it quickly!" she gasped.</p> + + <p>"Hush!" His hand tightened on her throat. "If you were in + Salta, you should die by tenths of inches, if it took all + night! That would be too good for you."</p> + + <p>He spat in her face as she writhed under his grasp. He + looked into her living eyes once more with all the cowardly + hate that possessed him, he struck deep and sure, he saw the + light break in the pupils, and heard the awful rattle of her + last breath.</p> + + <p>In an instant he was at the window, and had thrown it wide + open. He got out quickly, let himself down with his hands, and + pushed himself away from the wall with his feet as he jumped + down backwards, well knowing that there was grass below him, + and that the earth was as soft as sponge with the long rain. He + was sure that he could not hurt himself. Yet before his feet + touched the ground he had uttered a low cry of fear.</p> + + <p>He was on his legs now and trying to run, but it was too + late. There was the flash of a lantern in the wet garden, and + between him and the light, and just below it, he saw two points + of greenish fire coming at him; for he saw everything then; and + he heard the rush of a heavy beast's feet, tearing up the earth + with iron claws, and the savage breath, and the loud hiss of a + man setting the creature on; for he heard every sound then; and + he knew that the thing of terror would leap up with resistless + strength and hurl its weight upon him, and bury its jagged + fangs in his throat and tear him, in an instant that would seem + like an hour of agony, and that the pain and the fear would be + as if he were hung up by all the nerves of his body, drawn out + and twisted; for he knew everything then; and in that + immeasurable time which is nothing, and yet is infinite, he + remembered his evil life, his robberies, his murders, and his + betrayals, one by one, but he remembered with most frightful + clearness how he had tried to kill Marcello, how he had + corrupted him from his childhood, with bad counsels very + cunningly, and prepared him to go astray, how he had thrust + evil in his path and laughed away the good, and had led him on, + and poisoned him, and would have brought him to his death and + damnation surely, but for one sinning devoted woman that loved + him; for he remembered everything then; and from very far away, + out of memories of his youth, there came a voice that had once + been gentle and kind, but that rang in his ears now, like the + blast of the trumpet of the last judgment.</p> + + <p>"Whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which + believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were + hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of + the sea."</p> + + <p>Far better, indeed, for it all came, when the immeasurable + second's length was past, and he was thrown down against the + wall, and torn, and shaken like a rat; it all came just as he + had felt that it was coming, and it lasted long, a long, long + time, while he tried to howl, and the blood only gurgled in his + throat. And then, just as many strong hands dragged away the + thing of terror, and the light of a lantern and of a lamp + flashed in his eyes, he fell asleep in the wet grass.</p> + + <p>For they had caught him fairly and brought him, down. Kalmon + had watched him long, and had told some of his suspicions to + the Chief of Police, and the latter, unknown to Kalmon, had + caused him to be watched from time to time. But he, who had + been watched before and had once already escaped for his life, + had sometimes seen faces near him that he did not trust, and + when he had turned back from the station that afternoon he had + seen one of those faces; so he had driven away quickly in a + cab, by winding ways, so as not to be followed. Yet Kalmon and + Marcello, talking as they drove, grew more and more sure that + he would wish to see Settimia before he left Rome, the more + certainly if he believed himself pursued, as seemed likely from + his changing his mind at the station. So they had stopped their + cab before they had reached their destination, and had sent + Ercole back to Trastevere with the key of the garden gate, + bidding him watch, as it was most probable that Corbario would + try to get out through the garden; and before long they had + come back to the door of the house that opened upon the street, + and had let themselves in quietly, just in time to hear the + noise of the struggle as the dog threw Corbario to the ground. + For the other entrance to the little vestibule opened upon the + garden within, at the very spot where Corbario alighted when he + jumped from the window.</p> + + <p>And now they stood there in the rain round the wounded man, + while Marcello held the lantern to his face, and Regina thrust + a lamp out of the lower window which she had thrown open.</p> + + <p>"Is he dead?" she asked, in the silence that followed when + Ercole had got control of the dog again.</p> + + <p>At the sound of her voice Ercole started strangely and + looked up to her face that was not far above his own, and his + eyes fixed themselves upon her so intently that she looked down + at him, while she still held out her lamp. She could not + remember that she had ever seen him; but he had seen her many + times since he had made his visit to the inn on the Frascati + road.</p> + + <p>"Is he dead?" she repeated, putting the question directly to + him as he was nearest.</p> + + <p>Still he looked at her in silence, with his deep-set, + unwinking eyes. Marcello and Kalmon were bending over Corbario, + Marcello holding the lantern, while the Professor listened for + the beating of the heart and felt the pulse. They paid no + attention to Regina for the moment.</p> + + <p>"Why don't you speak?" she asked, surprised by Ercole's + silent stare.</p> + + <p>"You don't know me," he said slowly, "but I know you."</p> + + <p>The rain was beating upon her lamp, and at that moment the + shade cracked under the cold drops and fell to pieces, and the + wind instantly extinguished the flame of the flaring wick. + Regina withdrew into the room to get another light, and Ercole + stared after her into the gloom.</p> + + <p>"He is alive," said Kalmon, looking up to see why the light + had gone out. "We must get him inside at once, or he will die + here. Come, Ercole! Make that dog lie down and keep quiet."</p> + + <p>Between them they carried Corbario into the house. Nino + watched on the step in the rain, but when the door was shut + behind him, he crawled down to the wet grass and lapped the + blood and water in the dark. They carried Corbario upstairs to + an empty room there was, and as they went Regina tried to tell + Marcello what she had done. They opened Settimia's door, which + was still locked, and they found her quite dead, and the window + was wide open; then Regina understood that Corbario had been + hidden within hearing, and had killed the woman because she had + confessed.</p> + + <p>The men who had been sent from the central police station at + Kalmon's request arrived a few minutes later. One was at once + sent for a surgeon and for more men; the other remained. Soon + the little house was full of officials, in uniform and in plain + clothes. They examined everything, they wrote rapidly on big + sheets of stamped paper; their chief took the first deposition + of Regina, and of the three men, and of the surgeon. At dawn a + man came with a rough pine coffin. Officials came and went, and + were gravely busy. One man spoke of coffee when it was day, and + went and made some in the little kitchen, for the two young + women who cooked and did the work of the house did not sleep + there, and would not come till past seven o'clock.</p> + + <p>During the long hours, when Regina and Marcello were not + wanted, they were together in the sitting-room downstairs. + Regina told Marcello in detail everything she knew about the + events of the night, and much which she had found out earlier + about Settimia but had never told him. Kalmon came in from time + to time and told them what was going on, and that Corbario was + still alive; but they saw no more of Ercole. He had made his + first deposition, to the effect that he had been set to watch + the house, that the murderer had jumped from an upper window, + and that the dog had pulled him down. The officials looked + nervously at the dog, produced by Ercole in evidence, and were + glad when the beast was out of their sight. There were dark + stains about the bristles on his jaws, and his eyes were + bloodshot; but Ercole laid one hand on his uncouth head, and he + was very quiet, and did not even snarl at the policemen.</p> + + <p>Regina and Marcello sat side by side, talking in a low + voice, and looking at each other now and then. The little house + in which they had been happy was turned to a place of death and + horror, and both knew that some change was coming to + themselves.</p> + + <p>"You cannot live here any more," Marcello said at dawn, "not + even till to-night."</p> + + <p>"Where could I go?" Regina asked. "Why should I not stay + here? Do you think I am afraid of the dead woman?"</p> + + <p>"No," Marcello answered, "but you cannot stay here."</p> + + <p>He guessed what talking and gossiping there would be when + the newspapers told what had happened in the little house, how + the reporters would hang about the street for a week to come, + and how fashionable people would go out of their way to see the + place where a murder had been committed by such a well-known + person as Corbario, and where he had been taken almost in the + very act, and himself nearly killed. Besides all that, there + would be the public curiosity about Regina, who had been so + intimately concerned in a part of the tragedy, and whose name + was everywhere associated with his own.</p> + + <p>He would have taken her away from Rome at once, if he could + have done so. But he knew that they would both be called upon + during the next few days to repeat in court the evidence they + had already given in their first deposition. There was sure to + be the most frightful publicity about the whole affair, of + which reports would be published not only in Rome but + throughout Italy, and all over the world. In real life the + consequences of events generally have the importance which + fiction is obliged to give the events themselves; which is the + reason why the things that happen to real people rarely come to + any precise conclusion, like those reached by a play or a + novel. The "conclusion" lies in the lives of the people, after + the tragedy, or the drama, or the comedy has violently upset + their existences.</p> + + <p>"You cannot stay here," Marcello repeated with + conviction.</p> + + <p>"You will go on living at your villa," Regina answered. "Why + should I not go on living in this house? For a few days I will + not go out, that is all. Is it the end of the world because a + person has been killed who ought to have died in the galleys? + Or because the man who tried to kill you was caught in a place + that belongs to you? Tell me that."</p> + + <p>"You cannot stay here," Marcello repeated a third time.</p> + + <p>For a while Regina was silent. They were both very white and + heavy-eyed in the cold daylight, though they could not have + slept. At last she looked at him thoughtfully.</p> + + <p>"If we were married, we should go on living in our own + house," she said. "Is it true, or not? It is because there will + be talking that you are ashamed to let me stay where I am, and + would like to get me away. This is the truth. I know it."</p> + + <p>Marcello knew it too and did not answer at once, for it was + not easy to decide what he ought to do. The problem that had + seemed so hard to solve a few hours earlier was fast getting + altogether beyond solution. There was only one thing to be done + in the first present difficulty; he must take Regina to some + other place at once. No doubt this was easy enough. He would + take an apartment for her elsewhere, as far as possible from + the scene of the tragedy, and in a few hours she could be + installed there out of the way of annoyance. He could buy a + house for her if he chose, for he was very rich. Possibly some + house already belonging to him was vacant; his lawyer would + know.</p> + + <p>But after that, what was to come? If Corbario lived, there + would be a sensational trial in which he and Regina would be + witnesses together, and Kalmon too, and very surely Aurora and + her mother. For Aurora would be called upon to tell what she + knew of Marcello's movements on the morning when he had been + knocked down near the gap.</p> + + <p>Every moment of his past life would be publicly examined, to + prove Corbario's guilt. Worse than that, there would be a long + inquiry to show that Corbario had murdered his mother. Skilled + surgeons were tending the man's wounds and reviving him by + every means that science could suggest. Kalmon said that he + might live. He was being kept alive in order to be condemned to + the expiation of his crimes in penal servitude, since Italian + law could not make him pay for them with his life. The man + would be watched by day and night, lest he should try to commit + suicide, for he was to suffer, if he lived. He was to suffer + horribly, without doubt, and it was right and just that he + should. But Marcello would suffer too. That was not just. The + name of his saintly mother would be in the mouths of all kinds + of witnesses, in the columns of all sorts of newspapers. + Lawyers would make speeches about her to excite the pity of the + jury and to turn the whole tide of feeling against Corbario. + Marcello would himself be held up to public commiseration, as + one of Corbario's victims. There would be allusions covert and + open to Regina and to the position in which she stood to + Marcello. There would be talk about Aurora. People would + suddenly remember her mother's sad story and gossip about her; + people would certainly say that there had been talk about + marrying Aurora to Marcello, and that Regina had come between + them. Yes, there would be much talk about Aurora; that was + certain.</p> + + <p>All this was coming, and was not far off, if Corbario lived; + and even if he died there would be a vast amount said and + written about all the people concerned.</p> + + <p>And Regina was there, beside him, telling him that if they + were married they could go on living in the little house, just + as if nothing had happened. It was not true, but he could not + find heart to tell her so. It was the first time that any + suggestion of marriage had come from her, who had always told + him that marriage was impossible. If she wished it now, could + he refuse?</p> + + <p>Suddenly he knew that he had reached one of the great + cross-roads in his life, and that fate had dragged him + violently to it within the last few hours, to make him choose + his way. The full-grown character of the man rebelled against + being forced to a decision in spite of himself, but revolted at + the thought of fearing to do what was right and honourable. He + was not hesitating as he sat still in silence after Regina had + spoken. He was thinking, with the firm determination to act as + soon as he had reached a decision. When a man can do that, his + weakness is past.</p> + + <p>Regina did not interrupt the current of his thoughts, and as + she watched him she forgot all about the present; and they were + just together, where they had so often been happy, and she + loved him with all her heart. That was her strength. It had + nothing to do with right or wrong, honour or dishonour, credit + or discredit, or any choice of ways. She had no choice. She + loved. It was a very simple thing.</p> + + <p>He looked up at last. She was still wearing the loose + dressing-gown she had worn all night.</p> + + <p>"Could you sleep now?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"Then you must dress," he said. "While you are dressing I + will walk up to the villa and give some orders. Then I will + come and get you in a closed carriage. Put together what you + may need for the day, and I will have all your things moved + before night."</p> + + <p>"Are you really going to take me away from here?" Regina + asked, regretfully.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I must. It will be easy to find a place that will + please you better. Will you do as I have said?"</p> + + <p>"Why do you ask? I go."</p> + + <p>She rose and stood beside him a moment while he sat still, + and her hand caressed his short fair hair. She bent down and + kissed the close waves of it, near his forehead.</p> + + <p>"We have been very happy here," she said quietly.</p> + + <p>She slipped away as he rose to his feet, with the sudden + conviction that something had happened.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" he asked quickly, and making a step after + her.</p> + + <p>"I am going to dress," she answered.</p> + + <p>She turned her head and smiled, but there was a touch of + sadness in the look, as if she was saying good-bye. He partly + understood, and her expression was reflected in his own face. + They had been so happy in the little house in Trastevere.</p> + + <p>When the door had closed Marcello went to find Kalmon. He + met him at the foot of the stairs.</p> + + <p>"The fellow is alive, and will probably recover," said the + Professor, in answer to the unasked question in Marcello's + eyes.</p> + + <p>"It would simplify matters if he died," said Marcello. "Will + you walk up to the villa with me and have coffee? We cannot get + a cab at this hour on this side of the Tiber."</p> + + <p>"Thank you," Kalmon answered, "but I must go home. The house + is in charge of the police, and there is nothing more to be + done here. They have already taken the woman's body to San + Spirito, and they will move Corbario in a few hours. He is + badly mauled, but no big arteries are torn. I must go home and + write a letter. The Contessa must not hear what has happened + through the newspapers."</p> + + <p>"No. Certainly not. As for me, I am going to take Regina + away at once. I shall bring my own carriage down from the + villa."</p> + + <p>"By the bye," Kalmon said, "I had thought of that. The house + in which I live is divided into many small apartments. There is + a very good one to let, decently furnished. I thought of taking + it myself, and I looked at it yesterday. You might put the + young lady there until you can find what you may prefer. She + can move in at once."</p> + + <p>"Nothing could be better. If you are going home, will you + say that I take the place and will be there in an hour? No. 16, + Via Sicilia, is it not?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. I'll see to it. Shall I take the lease in your + name?"</p> + + <p>"No. Any name will do better. The reporters would find her + at once under mine."</p> + + <p>"I'll use my own," said the Professor. "I'll say that she is + a lady who has arrived to consult me—I daresay she + will—and that I'm responsible for her."</p> + + <p>"Thank you," answered Marcello gratefully. "And thank you + for all that you have done to help me."</p> + + <p>"My dear Marcello," Kalmon said, smiling cheerfully, "in the + first place, I have done nothing to help you, and secondly, + through excess of zeal, I have got you into a very unpleasant + situation, by indirectly causing a woman to be murdered in your + house, and the murderer almost mauled to death by that very + singular wild beast which your man calls a dog, and which I had + often noticed in old times at the cottage. So there is nothing + at all to thank me for, though I am most heartily at your + service."</p> + + <p>The Professor was positively in high spirits just then, and + Marcello envied him as they parted and took opposite + directions.</p> + + <p>Though the Via Sicilia was a long way from the Janiculum, + Marcello had been only too glad to accept Kalmon's suggestion + at such a moment. Regina would feel that she was protected by + Marcello's friend, and though she might rarely see him, it + would be better for her than to be lodged in a house where she + knew no one. Kalmon was a bachelor and a man of assured + position, and it had cost him nothing to undertake to give + Regina his protection; but Marcello was deeply grateful. He had + already made up his mind as to what he would do next.</p> + + <p>It had stopped raining at last, and the wind had fallen to a + soft breeze that bore the morning mist gently away towards the + sea, and hardly stirred the wet leaves that strewed the road + all the way up to San Pietro in Montorio. Marcello found the + gate of the villa already open, for it was nearly eight o'clock + by the time he got there.</p> + + <p>He summoned the servants to the library, told them briefly + what had happened, and warned them that they might be summoned + as witnesses at the coming trial, as most of them had been in + his mother's service. In the days before Corbario had lost his + head, and when he had controlled the household, it had been a + part of his policy to have really respectable servants about + him, and though some of them had never quite trusted him, they + had all been devoted to the Signora and to Marcello. They + listened in respectful silence now, and waited till he was out + of the house before meeting to discuss the tragedy and to + decide that Corbario had got his deserts at last.</p> + + <p>In a few hours Regina was installed in her new lodging with + such belongings as she needed immediately. Kalmon, having + finished writing his letter to the Contessa, left nothing + undone which could contribute to the comfort of the "lady who + had arrived to consult him." He had a respectable old woman + servant, who had been with him for years, and who came from his + native town. He took her into his confidence to some extent, + and placed her in charge of Regina. As she thought that + everything he did must be right, she accepted his statement + that the young gentleman who would often come to see the young + lady was deeply interested in the latter's welfare, and that, + as the poor young lady had no relations, he, the Professor, had + taken her under his protection while she remained in Rome.</p> + + <p>The old servant's name was Teresa, and she belonged to a + certain type of elderly old maids who take a very kindly + interest in the love affairs of the young. She smiled, shook + her head in a very mild disapprobation, and did much more than + Kalmon had asked of her; for she took the very first + opportunity of informing Regina that the Professor was the + greatest, wisest, best, and kindest of mankind; and Regina + recognised in her a loyal soul, and forthwith liked her very + much.</p> + + <p>It was late in the November afternoon when Marcello ascended + the stairs and stopped before the door of the little apartment. + He realised that he had no key to it, and that he must ring the + bell as if he were a mere visitor. It was strange that such a + little thing should affect him at all, but he was conscious of + a sort of chill, as he pulled the metal handle and heard the + tinkling of one of those cheap little bells that feebly imitate + their electric betters by means of a rachet and a small + weighted wheel. It was all so different from the little house + in Trastevere with its bright varnished doors, its patent + locks, its smart windows, and its lovely old garden. He wished + he had not brought Regina to Via Sicilia, though Kalmon's + advice had seemed so good. To Kalmon, who was used to no great + luxury in his own life, the place doubtless seemed very well + suited for a young person like Regina, who had been brought up + a poor child in the hills. But the mere anticipation of the + dark and narrow entry, and the sordid little sitting-room + beyond, awoke in Marcello a sense of shame, whether for himself + or for the woman who loved him he hardly knew.</p> + + <p>Old Teresa had gone out for something, and Regina opened the + door herself.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_XX'></a>CHAPTER XX</h2> + + <p>"I have come to see if you need anything," Marcello said, + when they were in the sitting-room. "I am sorry to have been + obliged to bring you to such a wretched place, but it seemed a + good thing that you should be so near Kalmon."</p> + + <p>"It is not a wretched place," Regina answered. "It is clean, + and the things are new, and the curtains have been washed. It + is not wretched. We have been in worse lodgings when we have + travelled and stopped in small towns. Professor Kalmon has been + very kind. It was wise to bring me here."</p> + + <p>He wished she had seemed discontented.</p> + + <p>"Have you rested a little?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"I have slept two or three hours. And you? You look + tired."</p> + + <p>"I have had no time to sleep. I shall sleep to-night."</p> + + <p>He leaned back in the small green arm-chair and rested his + head against a coarse netted antimacassar. His eyes caught + Regina's, but she was looking down thoughtfully at her hands, + which lay in her lap together but not clasped. Peasant women + often do that; their hands are resting then, after hard work, + and they are thinking of nothing.</p> + + <p>"Look at me," Marcello said after a long time.</p> + + <p>Her glance was sad and almost dull, and there was no light + in her face. She had made up her mind that something dreadful + was going to happen to her, and that the end was coming soon. + She could not have told why she felt it, and that made it + worse. Her eyes had the indescribable look that one sees in + those of a beautiful sick animal, the painful expression of an + unintelligent suffering which the creature cannot understand. + Regina, roused to act and face to face with danger, was brave, + clever, and quick, but under the mysterious oppression of her + forebodings she was the Roman hill woman, apathetic, hopeless, + unconsciously fatalistic and sleepily miserable.</p> + + <p>"What is the matter?" Marcello asked. "What has + happened?"</p> + + <p>"I shall know when you have told me," Regina answered, + slowly shaking her head; and again she looked down at her + hands.</p> + + <p>"What I have come to tell you will not make you sad," + Marcello replied.</p> + + <p>"Speak, heart of my heart. I listen."</p> + + <p>Marcello leaned forward and laid his hand upon hers. She + looked up quietly, for it was a familiar action of his.</p> + + <p>"I am going to marry you," he said, watching her, and + speaking earnestly.</p> + + <p>She kept her eyes on his, but she shook her head again, + slowly, from side to side, and her lips were pressed + together.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I am," said Marcello, with a little pressure of his + hand to emphasise the words.</p> + + <p>But she withdrew hers, and leaned far back from him.</p> + + <p>"Never," she said. "I have told you so, many times."</p> + + <p>"Not if I tell you that nothing else will make me happy?" he + asked.</p> + + <p>"If I still made you happy, you would not talk of marriage," + Regina answered.</p> + + <p>For the first time since she had loved him he heard a ring + of bitterness in her voice. They had reached that first node of + misunderstanding in the love relations of men and women, which + lies where the one begins to think and act upon a principle + while the other still feels and acts from the heart.</p> + + <p>"That is not reasonable," Marcello said.</p> + + <p>"It is truth," she answered.</p> + + <p>"But how?"</p> + + <p>"How! I feel it, here!"</p> + + <p>Her hands sprang to life and pressed her bosom, her voice + rang deep and her eyes flashed, as if she were impatient of his + misunderstanding.</p> + + <p>He tried to laugh gently.</p> + + <p>"But if I want to marry you, it is because I mean never to + part from you," he said.</p> + + <p>"No!" she cried. "It is because you are afraid that you will + leave me, unless you are bound to me."</p> + + <p>"Regina!" Marcello protested, by his tone.</p> + + <p>"It is as I say. It is because you are honourable. It is + because you wish to be faithful. It is because you want to be + true. But what do I care for honour, or faith, or truth, if I + can only have them of you because you are tied to me? I only + want love. That is everything. I want it, but I have never + asked it of you, and never shall. Is love money, that you can + take it out of your purse and give it? Is love a string, that + the priest and the mayor can tie the ends so that they can + never come undone? I do not know what it is, but it is not + that!"</p> + + <p>She laughed scornfully, as if she were angry at the thought. + But Marcello had made up his mind, and was obstinate.</p> + + <p>"We must be married at once," he said quietly, and fully + believing that he could impose his will upon hers. "If I had + not been weak and foolish, we should have been married long + ago. But for a long time after my illness I had no will of my + own. I am sorry. It was my fault."</p> + + <p>"It was not your fault, it was the illness, and it was my + will. If I had said, any day in those first two years, 'Make me + your wife, for I wish to be a real signora,' would you not have + done it?"</p> + + <p>"You know I would."</p> + + <p>"But I would not, and I will not now. I am not a real + signora. I am beautiful—yes, I see that. Am I blind when + I look into my glass? I am very beautiful. We have not often + met any woman in our travels as beautiful as I am. Am I blind? + I have black hair, like the common people, but my hair is not + coarse, like a mule's tail. It is as fine as silk. My eyes are + black, and that is common too; but my eyes are not like those + of the buffaloes in the Campagna, as the other women's are + where I was born. And I am not dark-skinned; I am as white as + the snow on Monte Cavo, as white as the milk in the pan. Also I + have been told that I have beautiful feet, though I cannot tell + why. They are small, this is the truth, and my hands are like + those of a signora. But I am not a real signora, though I have + all this. How can you marry me? None of your friends would + speak to me, because I have not even been an honest girl. That + was for you, but they do not count love. Your servants at the + villa would laugh at you behind your back, and say, 'The master + has married one of us!' Do you think I could bear that? Tell me + what you think! Am I of stone, to bear that people should laugh + at you?"</p> + + <p>She took breath at last and leaned back again, folding her + arms and fixing her splendid eyes on his face, and challenging + him to answer her.</p> + + <p>"We will go and live in Calabria, at San Domenico, for a + while," he said. "We need not live in Rome at all, unless we + please, for we have the whole world before us."</p> + + <p>"We saw the world together without being married," Regina + answered obstinately. "What difference would there be, if we + were husband and wife? Do you wish to know what difference + there would be? I will tell you. There would be this + difference. One day I should see no light in your eyes, and + your lips would be like stone. Then I should say, 'Heart of my + heart, you are tired of me, and I go.' But you would answer, + 'You cannot go, for you are my wife.' What would that be? That + would be the difference. Do you understand, or do you not + understand? If you do not understand, I can do nothing. But I + will not marry you. Have you ever seen a mule go down to the + ford in spring, too heavily laden, when there is freshet? He + drowns, if he is driven in, because the burden is too heavy. I + will not be the burden; but I should be, if I were your wife, + because I am not a real signora. Now you know what I + think."</p> + + <p>"Yes," Marcello answered, "but I do not think in the same + way."</p> + + <p>He was not sure how to answer her arguments, and he lit a + cigarette to gain time. He was quietly determined to have his + own way, but in order to succeed he knew that he must persuade + her till she agreed with him. He could not drag her to the + altar against her will.</p> + + <p>Before he had thrown away the match, Regina had risen from + her chair. She leaned against the little marble mantelpiece, + looking down at him.</p> + + <p>"There are things that you do not know," she said. "If you + knew them you would not want to marry me. In all the time we + have been together, you have hardly ever spoken to me of your + mother."</p> + + <p>Marcello started a little and looked up, unconsciously + showing that he was displeased.</p> + + <p>"No," he answered. "Why should I?"</p> + + <p>"You were right. Your mother is now one of the saints in + Paradise. How do I know it? Even Settimia knew it. I am not + going to talk of her now. I am not fit to speak her name in + your hearing. Very well. Do you know what my mother was?"</p> + + <p>"She is dead," Marcello replied, meaning that Regina should + let her memory alone.</p> + + <p>"Or my father?" she asked, going on. "They were bad people. + I come of a bad race. Perhaps that is why I do wrong easily, + for you. My father killed a man and left us, though he was + allowed to go free, and I never saw him again. He had reason to + kill the man. I was a little girl, but I remember. My mother + took other men. They came and went; sometimes they were drunk + and they beat us. When I was twelve years old one of them + looked upon me with bad eyes. Then my mother cursed him, and he + took up a stone and struck her on the head, and she died. They + sent him to the galleys, and me to work at the inn, because I + had no friends. This is the family of Regina. It is a race of + assassins and wicked women. If I were your wife, that would be + the family of your wife. If God sent children, that would be + the blood they would have of me, to mix with that of your + mother, who is one of the saints in heaven. This is the truth. + If you think I am telling you one thing for another, let us go + to the inn on the Frascati road. Paoluccio and Nanna know. They + would laugh if they could see me dressed like a real signora, + and they would say, 'This girl is her mother's daughter!' And + so I am."</p> + + <p>She ceased speaking, and again waited for his answer, but he + had none ready, and there was silence. She had put the ugly + truth too plainly before him, and he could not shut up his + understanding against it; he could not deny what she said, he + could never teach himself to believe that it did not matter. + And yet, he did not mean to draw back, or give up his purpose, + even then. Men of good birth had married peasant women before + now. They had given up the society of their old friends, they + had lived in remote places, they had become half peasants + themselves, their sons had grown up to be rough farmers, and + had done obligatory military service in the ranks for years, + because they could not pass an easy examination. But was all + that so very terrible after all, in the light of the duty that + faced him?</p> + + <p>The woman had saved his life, had carried him in her arms, + had tended him like a child, had stolen food to keep him alive, + had faced starvation for him when she had got him to the + hospital, had nursed him—had loved him, had given him all + she had, and she would have died for him, if there had been + need. Now, she was giving him something more, for she was + refusing to be his wife because she was sure that sooner or + later she must be a burden to him, and that her birth would be + a reproach to his children. No woman could do more for a man + than she had done. She had been his salvation and his good + angel; when she had found out that the life in Paris that + amused her was killing him, she had brought him back to + himself, she had made him at last fit and able to face those + who would have destroyed him. She had loved him like a woman, + she had obeyed him and served him like a devoted servant, she + had watched over him like a faithful dog; and he had given her + nothing in return for all that, not one thing that deserved to + be counted. Perhaps he had not even really loved her; most + surely his love had been far less large and true and devoted + than hers, and he felt that it was so. The reparation he was + determined to make was not really for her honesty's sake; it + was to be an attempt at repaying a debt that was weighing upon + his conscience like a debt of honour.</p> + + <p>That was it. He felt that unless he could in some way repay + her for what she had done, his man's honour would not be + satisfied. That was very well, in its way, but it was not love. + It was as if he had said to himself, "I cannot love her as she + loves me, but I can at least marry her; and that is better than + nothing, and has the merit of being morally right."</p> + + <p>She had told him that if she still made him happy he would + not talk of marriage. The brutal truth shamed him, now that he + knew it from her own lips. It was not the whole truth, but it + was a great part of it. If he was happy with her now, when + there was nothing to disturb them, it was by force of habit, it + was because her beauty appealed to him, it was because her + touch was dearer to him than her heart's devotion. Now that he + was a grown man, he knew well enough that he craved something + else which poor Regina could never give him.</p> + + <p>For he felt the want of companionship. Those who have lost + what is most worth having, whether by death or by their own + fault, or by the other's, miss the companionship of love more + than anything else, when the pain of the first wrench is dulled + and the heart's blood is staunched, and the dreadful bodily + loneliness comes only in dreams. Then the longing for the old + sweet intercourse of thought and word makes itself felt and is + very hard to bear, though it is not sharp like the first wound; + and it comes again and again for years, and perhaps for + ever.</p> + + <p>But where there is no true companionship while love lasts, + there is something lacking, and such love cannot live long. Men + seem to want it more than women do; and women, seeing that men + want something, often fancy they want flattery, and natter the + men they love till they disgust them; and then the end comes + suddenly, much to the astonishment of those women.</p> + + <p>Regina was too womanly not to feel that Marcello was in real + need of something which she had not, and could never have. She + had known it from the first, and had almost told him so. She + gave what was hers to give, as long as he wanted it; when he + wanted it no more, she meant to leave him, and it would make no + difference what became of her afterwards.</p> + + <p>When she had finished speaking, Marcello was very miserable, + because he could find no answer to what she had said, and he + felt that she had no right to say it at all. His head ached + now, from excitement and want of sleep, and he almost wished + that he had put off speaking to Regina about her marriage. He + rested his head in his hand as he sat thinking, and she came + and stood beside him as she had done in the morning in the + little house in Trastevere. But it was not the same now. She + hoped that he would put up his other hand to find hers, without + looking at her, as he often did, but it gripped his knee as if + he did not mean to move it, and he did not raise his head.</p> + + <p>She looked up from his bent figure to the window and saw + that the light was reddening with the first tinge of sunset. It + would soon be night, Marcello would go away, and she would be + dreadfully lonely. It was not like being in the little house, + knowing that he was near her, in the great villa on top of the + hill, hidden from her only by trees. She was in a strange place + now, and he would be far away, across the Tiber, and the great + dark city would be between her and him.</p> + + <p>For an instant her lip quivered, and she thought she was + going to cry, though she had never cried in her life, except + for rage and when she had been a little girl. She shook her + handsome head impatiently at the mere sensation, and held it + higher than ever. Then Marcello looked up at last.</p> + + <p>As their eyes met they heard the tinkle of the little bell. + Regina at once left his side to go and open the door. It was + not till she had left the room that Marcello rose, asking + himself suddenly why it had not occurred to him to go himself. + He realised that he had always allowed her to wait on him + without question. Yet if she were his wife, he would not think + of letting her do what she was doing now. He would even open + the door of the room for her to go out.</p> + + <p>He knew why he had never treated her in that way. She was a + peasant girl, she had been a servant in an inn; it was natural + that she should serve him too. She often brought him his shoes + when he was going out, and she would have put them on for him + and laced them if he would have let her do it. It seemed + natural that she should answer the bell and open the door, as + it seemed unnatural that she should ever be his wife. The + thought stung him, and again, he was ashamed.</p> + + <p>While these things were passing in his mind, he heard a + familiar voice in the dark entry.</p> + + <p>"Signora, you will excuse me," Ercole was saying. "I asked + the Professor and he told me. I beg the favour of a few + words."</p> + + <p>"Come in," Regina answered, and a moment later they both + entered the sitting-room.</p> + + <p>Ercole stood still when he saw Marcello, and began to turn + his hat in his hands, as if it were a rosary, which he + generally did when he was embarrassed. Marcello wondered what + the man wanted.</p> + + <p>"Were you looking for me?" he asked. "Come in! What is it? + Has anything happened?"</p> + + <p>"No, sir, nothing new has happened," answered Ercole.</p> + + <p>"What is it, then? Why did you come here?"</p> + + <p>Ercole had dressed himself for the occasion in his best + clothes. He had on a snowy shirt and a new keeper's jacket, and + his boots were blacked. Furthermore, he had just been shaved, + and his shaggy hair had been cut rather close. He did not carry + his gun about with him in the streets of Rome, though he felt + that it was slightly derogatory to his dignity to be seen + without it, and Nino was not with him, having been temporarily + chained to the wall in the court of the stables at the + villa.</p> + + <p>He stood still, and looked from Marcello to Regina, and back + to Marcello again.</p> + + <p>"It cannot be done," he said suddenly. "It is useless. It + cannot be done."</p> + + <p>Without another word he turned abruptly and was going to + leave the room, when Marcello stopped him authoritatively.</p> + + <p>"Come here, Ercole!" he cried, as the man was disappearing + into the entry.</p> + + <p>"Did you speak to me, sir?" Ercole inquired, stopping in the + doorway.</p> + + <p>"Yes. Shut the door and come here." Ercole obeyed with + evident reluctance. "Now, then," Marcello continued, "come here + and tell me what you want, and what it is that cannot be + done."</p> + + <p>"I desire a few words with this lady, and I did not know + that you were here, sir. Therefore I said, it cannot be done. I + mean that while you are here, sir, I cannot speak alone with + this lady."</p> + + <p>"That is clear," Marcello answered. "You cannot be alone + with this lady while I am in the room. That certainly cannot be + done. Why do you wish to be alone with her? You can speak + before me."</p> + + <p>"It will not be so easy, sir. I will come at another + time."</p> + + <p>"No," Marcello answered, not liking his manner. "You will + say what you have to say now, or you will say nothing, for you + will not come at another time. The lady will not let you in, if + you come again. Now speak."</p> + + <p>"It will be a little difficult, sir. I would rather speak to + the lady alone."</p> + + <p>Regina had stood listening in silence, and looking intently + at Ercole's face.</p> + + <p>"Let me speak to him," she said to Marcello. "What is your + full name?" she asked, turning to Ercole again.</p> + + <p>"Spalletta Ercole, to serve you," was the prompt answer.</p> + + <p>"Spalletta?" Marcello asked in surprise, for strange as it + may seem to any but Italians, it was quite natural that he + should never have known Ercole's family name. "Spalletta? That + is your own name, Regina! What a strange coincidence!"</p> + + <p>"Yes," Ercole said. "I know that the young lady's name is + Spalletta. It is for this reason that I desire the favour of a + few words with her alone."</p> + + <p>"There is no need," Regina answered. "Since we have the same + name, there is no doubt. I remember your face now, though until + last night I had not seen you since I was a little child. Yes. + I know what you have come to say, and it is quite true."</p> + + <p>"What?" asked Marcello with some anxiety.</p> + + <p>"This man is my father," Regina said, very quietly.</p> + + <p>"Your father!" Marcello made half a step backwards in his + surprise.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I have told you what he did." She turned to Ercole. + "What do you want of me? Is it money that you want, + perhaps?"</p> + + <p>Ercole stiffened himself and seemed to grow taller. His + black eyes flashed dangerously, and his heavy eyebrows were + suddenly stern and level, as Regina's were.</p> + + <p>"You are your mother's daughter," he said slowly. "Did I + take money from her? I took blood, and when I was tried for it, + I was set free. I was told that it was my right under our law. + I do not want money. I have brought you money. There it is. It + will buy you some bread when your lover turns you into the + street!"</p> + + <p>He took out his old sheepskin purse with a quick movement, + and laughed harshly as he tossed it at her. Marcello sprang + forward and caught him by the collar, to thrust him out of the + room; but Ercole was tough and wiry, and resisted.</p> + + <p>"Will you hinder me from giving money to my daughter?" he + asked fiercely. "It was yours, for you paid it to me; but when + I knew, I saved my wages to give them back, for I will not take + your money, sir! Take your hands from me, sir! I have a right + to be here and to speak. Let me go, I tell you! I am not in + your service any longer. I do not eat your cursed bread. I am + this woman's father, and I shall say what I will."</p> + + <p>Marcello withdrew his hands and pointed to the door.</p> + + <p>"Go!" he said, in a voice of command.</p> + + <p>Ercole backed away a little, and then stood still again.</p> + + <p>"I have to tell you that I have spent five francs of that + money," he said, speaking to Regina. "But it was spent for you. + I found a good monk, and I gave him the five francs to say + three masses for your soul. The masses were said in August, and + now it is November, and you are still alive!"</p> + + <p>"Go!" cried Marcello, understanding, and advancing upon him + once more.</p> + + <p>"I go," answered Ercole hoarsely. "Let her live, till you + are tired of her, and she dies in a ditch! I told the monk to + say the masses for a female. They will do for the woman who was + killed last night. One female is worth another, and evil befall + them all, as many as they are! Why did the Eternal Father ever + create them?"</p> + + <p>He had turned before he spoke the last words, and he went + out deliberately, shutting the door behind him. They heard him + go out upon the landing, and they were alone again. Regina + leaned back against the mantelpiece, but Marcello began to walk + up and down the room.</p> + + <p>"You have seen," she said, in a rather unsteady voice. "Now + you know of what blood I am, and that what I said was true. The + son of your mother cannot marry the daughter of that man."</p> + + <p>"What have you to do with him?" Marcello asked sharply, + stopping in his walk.</p> + + <p>But Regina only shook her head, and turned away. She knew + that she was right, and that he knew it too, or would know it + soon.</p> + + <p>"You will never see him again," he said. "Forget that you + have seen him at all!"</p> + + <p>Again she shook her head, not looking at him.</p> + + <p>"You will not forget," she answered, "and I shall always + remember. He should have killed me, as he meant to do. It would + have been the end. It would have been better, and quicker."</p> + + <p>"God forbid!"</p> + + <p>"Why? Would it not have been better?"</p> + + <p>She came close to him and laid one hand upon his shoulder + and gazed into his eyes. They were full of trouble and pain, + and they did not lighten for her; his brow did not relax and + his lips did not part. After a little while she turned again + and went back to the fireplace.</p> + + <p>"It would have been better," she said in a low voice. "I + knew it this morning."</p> + + <p>There was silence in the room for a while. Marcello stood + beside her, holding her hand in his, and trying to see her + face. He was very tender with her, but there was no thrill in + his touch. Something was gone that would never come back.</p> + + <p>"When all this trouble is over," he said at last, "you shall + go back to the little house in Trastevere, and it will be just + as it was before."</p> + + <p>She raised her head rather proudly, as she answered.</p> + + <p>"If that could be, it would be now. You would have taken me + in your arms when he was gone, and you would have kissed my + eyes and my hair, and we should have been happy, just as it was + before. But instead, you want to comfort me, you want to be + kind to me, you want to be just to me, instead of loving + me!"</p> + + <p>"Regina! I do love you! I do indeed!"</p> + + <p>He would have put his arms round her to draw her closer to + him, in the sudden longing to make her think that there was no + change in his love, but she quietly resisted him.</p> + + <p>"You have been very good to me, dear," she said, "and I know + you will always be that, whatever comes. And I am always yours, + dear, and you are the master, whenever you choose to come and + see me. For I care for nothing that God has made, except you. + But it will never be just as it used to be."</p> + + <p>"It shall!" Marcello tried to put conviction into the words. + "It shall! It shall!"</p> + + <p>"It cannot, my heart," she answered. "I used to say that + when this came, I would go away. But I will not do that, unless + you bid me to, for I think you would be sorry, and I should be + giving you more pain, and you have enough. Only leave me a + little while alone, dear, for I am very tired, and it is + growing late."</p> + + <p>He took her hands and kissed them one after the other, and + looked into her face. His own was very weary.</p> + + <p>"Promise me that I shall find you here to-morrow," he + said.</p> + + <p>"You shall find me," she answered softly.</p> + + <p>They parted so, and he left her alone, in the dark, for the + glow of the sunset had faded and the early November evening was + closing in.</p> + + <p>Old Teresa came and brought a lamp, and drew the curtains, + and gave her a message from Kalmon. If she needed anything she + was to send for him, and he would come at once. She thanked + Teresa. It was very kind of the Professor, but she needed + nothing. Not even a fire; no, she hardly ever felt cold. Teresa + brought something to eat, and set the little table for her. She + was not hungry, and she was glad when the good soul was + gone.</p> + + <p>She could open the windows when she was alone, and look out + into the silent street. There was moonlight now, and it fell + across the walls and trees of the Villa Aurora upon her face. + It was a young moon, that would set before midnight, but it was + very clear and bright, and the sky was infinitely deep and very + clear behind it. Regina fancied that if there were really + angels in heaven, she should be able to see them on such a + night.</p> + + <p>If she had been in Trastevere she would have gone out to + walk up and down the old paved paths of the little garden, for + she could not sleep, though she was so tired. The lamp + disturbed her and she put it out, and sat down by the window + again.</p> + + <p>It was very quiet now, for it was past nine o'clock. She + heard a step, and it almost surprised her. A man with a big dog + was walking in the shadow on the other side of the street, and + when he was opposite the house he stood still and looked up at + her window. He did not move for some time, but the dog came out + into the moonlight in a leisurely way, and lay down on the + paving stones. All dogs think it is warmer in the light than in + the shadow.</p> + + <p>Regina rose, got a long black cloak and a dark veil without + lighting a candle, and put them on. Then she went out.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_XXI'></a>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + + <p>Ercole walked on when he saw some one come out of No. 16, + for he did not recognise Regina. She followed him at a + distance. Even if he should pass where there might be many + people, she would not lose sight of him easily because he had + his dog with him. She noticed that his canvas bag was hung over + one shoulder and that it seemed to be full, and his gun was + slung over the other. He meant to leave Rome that night on + foot. He walked fast through the new streets in the upper + quarter, turned to the right when he reached the Via Venti + Settembre, and went straight on, past the top of the hill, and + along the Quirinal Palace; then down and on, down and on, + through moonlight and shadow, winding streets and straight, + till the Colosseum was in sight. He was going towards the Porta + San Sebastiano to take the road to Ardea.</p> + + <p>The air was very clear, and the moonlight made the broad + space as bright as if there were daylight. Regina walked fast, + and began to overtake her father, and the dog turned his head + and growled at the tall woman in black. She came up with Ercole + by the ruin of the ancient fountain, and the dog snarled at + her. Ercole stopped and looked at her sharply, and she raised + her veil.</p> + + <p>"I have followed you," she said. "We are alone here. We can + talk in peace."</p> + + <p>"And what am I to say to you?" Ercole asked, in a low and + surly voice.</p> + + <p>"What you will, little or much, as you please. You shall + speak, and I will listen. But we can walk on under the trees + there. Then nobody can see us."</p> + + <p>Ercole began to go on, and Regina walked on his left side. + The dog sniffed at the hem of her long black cloak. They came + under the shade of the trees, and Ercole stopped again, and + turned, facing the reflection of the moonlight on the vast + curve of the Colosseum.</p> + + <p>"What do you want of me?" he asked. "Why do you follow me in + the night?"</p> + + <p>"When you saw that the Signore was with me to-day, you said, + 'It cannot be done.' He is not here now."</p> + + <p>She stood quite still, looking at him.</p> + + <p>"I understand nothing," he said, in the same surly tone as + before.</p> + + <p>"You wished to kill me to-day," she answered. "I am here. + This is a good place."</p> + + <p>Ercole looked about him instinctively, peering into the + shadows under the trees.</p> + + <p>"There is no one," Regina said. "This is a good place."</p> + + <p>She had not lifted her veil, but she threw back the collar + of her cloak, and with quick fingers undid the fastenings of + her dress, opening it wide. Rays of moonlight fell through the + trees upon her bosom, and it gleamed like fine ivory newly + cut.</p> + + <p>"I wait," she said.</p> + + <p>She stood motionless before him, expecting the knife, but + her father's hands did not move. His eyes were fixed on hers, + though he could not see them through the veil.</p> + + <p>"So he has left you?" he said slowly.</p> + + <p>"No. I am waiting."</p> + + <p>Not a fold of her cloak stirred as she stood there to die. + It seemed a long time, but his hands did not move. Then he + heard the sound of her voice, very low and sweet, repeating a + little prayer, but he only heard the last words distinctly.</p> + + <p>"—now, and in the hour of our death!"</p> + + <p>His right hand moved slowly and found something in his + pocket, and then there was the sharp click of a strong spring, + and a ray of moonlight fell upon steel, and her voice was heard + again.</p> + + <p>"—in the hour of our death. Amen!"</p> + + <p>An unearthly sound rent the stillness. The huge dog sat + upright on his haunches, his head thrown up and back, his + terrible lower jaw trembling as he howled, and howled again, + waking great echoes where the roar of wild lions had rung long + ago.</p> + + <p>Regina started, though she did not move a step; but an + unreasoning fear fell upon Ercole. He could not see her face, + as the dark veil hung down. She was so motionless and fearless; + only the dead could be as fearless of death and as still as + she. Her breast was so white; her hands were like marble hands, + parting a black shroud upon it. She was something risen from + the grave to haunt him in that lonely place and drive him mad; + and the appalling howl of the great dog robe deafeningly on the + silence and trembled and died away, and began again.</p> + + <p>Ercole's hand relaxed, and the knife fell gleaming at his + feet. One instant more and he turned and fled through the + trees, towards San Gregorio, his dog galloping heavily after + him.</p> + + <p>Regina's hands fell by her sides, and the folds of her cloak + closed together and hung straight down. She stared into the + shadowy distance a moment after her father, and saw his figure + twice in the light where the trees were wider apart, before he + disappeared altogether. She looked down and saw the knife at + her feet, and she picked it up and felt the point. It was as + sharp as a needle, for Ercole had whetted it often since he had + sat by the gate in the early morning last August. It was wet, + for the grass under the trees had not dried since the rain.</p> + + <p>She felt the point and edge with her hand, and sighed. It + would have been better to have felt it in her breast, but she + would not take her own life. She was not afraid to do it, and + her young hand would have been strong enough and sure enough to + do it quickly. It was not the thought of the pain that made her + close the knife; it was the fear of hell. Nothing she had done + in her life seemed very bad to her, because it had all been for + Marcello. If Ercole had killed her, she thought that God would + have forgiven her after a time. But if she killed herself she + would instantly be seized by devils and thrust into real + flames, to burn for ever, without the slightest chance of + forgiveness. She had been taught that, and she believed it, and + the thought of the fire made her shut the clasp-knife and slip + it into her dress with a sigh. It would be a pity to throw it + away, for it seemed to be a good knife, and her father could + not have had it very long.</p> + + <p>She fastened her frock under her mantle and went a few steps + down the little slope towards the Colosseum. To go on meant to + go home, and she stopped again. The place was very lonely and + peaceful, and the light on the great walls was quiet and good + to see. Though she had stood so still, waiting to die, and had + said her little prayer so calmly, her brave heart had been + beating slow and hard as if it were counting the seconds before + it was to stop; and now it beat fast and softly, and fluttered + a little, so that she felt faint, as even brave people do after + a great danger is past. I have seen hundreds of men together, + just escaped from destruction by earthquake, moving about + listlessly with veiled eyes, yawning as if they were dropping + with sleep, and saying childish things when they spoke at all. + Man's body is the part of himself which he least understands, + unless he has spent half his life in studying its ways. Its + many portions can only telegraph to the brain two words, 'pain' + and 'pleasure,' with different degrees of energy; but that is + all. The rest of their language belongs to science.</p> + + <p>Regina felt faint and sat down, because there was no reason + for making any effort to go home. Perhaps a cab would pass, + returning from some outlying part of the city, and she would + take it. From the place where she sat she could see one far + off, if any came.</p> + + <p>She sank down on the wet ground, and drew up her knees and + pulled her cloak round her; and gradually her head bent forward + and rested upon her hands, till she sat there like a figure of + grief outlined in black against the moonlight on the great + wall. She had forgotten where she was, and that there was any + time in the world.</p> + + <p>Half an hour passed, and the moon sank low, and an hour, and + the deadly white mist began to rise in the shadow round the + base of the Colosseum, and crept up under the trees; and if any + one had come upon her then, he would have seen its dull + whiteness crawling round her feet and body, a hand-breadth + above the wet ground. But she did not know; she had forgotten + everything.</p> + + <p>Nothing was real any more. She could have believed that her + father had killed her and left her corpse there, strangely + sitting, though quite dead.</p> + + <p>Then she knew that the light had gone out; and suddenly she + felt her teeth chatter, and a chill ran through her bones that + was bad to feel. She raised her head and saw that the great + walls were dark against the starry sky, and she rose with an + effort, as if her limbs had suddenly become lead. But she could + walk, though it was like walking in sleep.</p> + + <p>She did not afterwards remember how she got home, but she + had a vague recollection of having lost her way, and of finding + a cab at last, and then of letting herself into the little + apartment in the dark.</p> + + <p>When she was next aware of anything it was broad daylight, + and she was lying on her bed, still dressed and wearing her + cloak; and Kalmon was bending over her, his eyes on hers and + his fingers on her pulse, while old Teresa watched her + anxiously from the foot of the bed.</p> + + <p>"I'm afraid it is a 'perniciosa,'" he said. "Put her to bed + while I call a regular doctor."</p> + + <p>Regina looked up at him.</p> + + <p>"I have fever, have I not?" she asked quite quietly.</p> + + <p>"Yes. You have a little fever," he answered, but his big + brown eyes were very grave.</p> + + <p>When Marcello came, an hour later, she did not know him. She + stared at him with wide, unwinking eyes, and there were bright + patches of colour in her cheeks. Already there were hollows in + them, too, and at her temples, for the perniciosa fever is + frightfully quick to waste the body. In the Campagna, where it + is worst, men have died of it in less than four hours after + first feeling it upon them. Great men have discovered wonderful + remedies for it, but still it kills.</p> + + <p>Kalmon got one of the great men, who was his friend, and + they did what they could. A nursing sister came and was + installed. Marcello was summoned away soon after noon by an + official person, who brought a carriage and said that Corbario + was now conscious and able to speak, and that it was absolutely + necessary that Marcello should be confronted with him, as he + might not live another day. It was easier to go than it would + have been if Regina had been conscious, but even so it was very + hard. The nun and Teresa stayed with her.</p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:100%;"> +<a name="Grief"></a> +<img src="images/Illus378_Grief.jpg" width="595" height="400" alt="[Illustration: ]" /> +<p class="caption">"SHE SAT THERE LIKE A FIGURE OF GRIEF OUTLINED IN BLACK + AGAINST THE MOONLIGHT ON THE GREAT WALL."</p> +</div> + + <p>She said little in her delirium, and nothing that had any + meaning for either of the women. Twice she tried to tear away + the linen and lace from her throat.</p> + + <p>"I wait!" she cried each time, and her eyes fixed themselves + on the ceiling, while she held her breath.</p> + + <p>The women could not tell what she was waiting for, and they + soothed her as best they could. She seemed to doze after that, + and when Marcello came back she knew him, and took his hand. He + sent away the nurses and sat by the bedside, and she spoke to + him in short sentences, faintly. He bent forward, near the + pillow, to catch the words.</p> + + <p>She was telling him what she had done last night.</p> + + <p>"But you promised that I should find you here to-day!" + Marcello said, with gentle reproach.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I did not mean to break my word. But I thought he + would do it. It seemed so easy."</p> + + <p>Her voice was weak with the fever, and sank almost to a + whisper. He stroked her hand affectionately, hoping that she + would go to sleep; and so a long time passed. Then Kalmon came + in with his friend the great doctor. They saw that she was not + yet any better; the doctor ordered several things to be done + and went away. Kalmon drew Marcello out of the room.</p> + + <p>"You can do nothing," he said. "She has good care, and she + is very strong. Go home and come back in the morning."</p> + + <p>"I must stay here," Marcello answered.</p> + + <p>"That is out of the question, on account of the Sister of + Charity. But you can send for your things and camp in my rooms + downstairs. There is a good sofa. You can telephone to the + villa for what you want."</p> + + <p>"Thank you." Marcello's voice dropped and shook. "Will she + live?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"I hope so. She is very strong, and it may be only + fever."</p> + + <p>"What else could it be?"</p> + + <p>"Pneumonia."</p> + + <p>Marcello bit his lip and closed his eyes as if he were in + bodily pain, and a moment later he turned away and went down to + Kalmon's apartment.</p> + + <p>The Professor went back to Regina's side, and stood quietly + watching her, with a very sad look in his eyes. She opened hers + and saw him, and she brought one hand to her chest.</p> + + <p>"It burns," she said, almost in a whisper, but with a + strange sort of eagerness, as if she were glad.</p> + + <p>"I wish I could bear it for you, my poor child," Kalmon + answered.</p> + + <p>She shook her head, and turned uneasily on the pillow. He + did not understand.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" he asked gently. "What can I do for you? Tell + me."</p> + + <p>"I want to see some one very much. How long shall I + live?"</p> + + <p>"You will get quite well," said Kalmon, in a reassuring + tone. "But you must be very quiet." Again she moved her burning + cheek on the pillow.</p> + + <p>"Do you want to see a priest?" asked the Professor, thinking + he had guessed. "Is that it?"</p> + + <p>"Yes—there is time for that—some one + else—could you? Will you?"</p> + + <p>"Yes." Kalmon bent down quickly, for he thought the delirium + was coming again. "Who is it?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Aurora—I mean, the Signorina—can you? Oh, do + you think you could?"</p> + + <p>"I'll try," Kalmon answered in great surprise.</p> + + <p>But now the hoarseness was suddenly gone, and her sweet + voice was softly humming an old song of the hills, forgotten + many years, and the Professor saw that she did not know him any + more. He nodded to Teresa, who was in the room, and went + out.</p> + + <p>He wondered much at the request, but he remembered that it + had been made in the full belief that he would say nothing of + it to Marcello. If she had been willing that Marcello should + know, she would have spoken to him, rather than to Kalmon. He + had seen little enough of Regina, but he was sure that she + could have no bad motive in wishing to see the young girl. Yet, + from a social point of view, it was not exactly an easy thing + to propose, and the Contessa would have a right to be offended + at the mere suggestion that her daughter should speak to + "Consalvi's Regina"; and there could not be anything + clandestine in the meeting, if Aurora consented to it. Kalmon + was too deeply attached to the Contessa herself to be willing + to risk her displeasure, or, indeed, to do anything of which + she would not approve.</p> + + <p>He went to her house by the Forum of Trajan, and he found + her at home. It was late in the afternoon, and the lamp was + lighted in the little drawing-room, which did not seem at all + shabby to Kalmon's accustomed eyes and not very exigent taste. + The Contessa was reading an evening paper before the fire. She + put out her hand to the Professor.</p> + + <p>"It is a bad business," she said, glancing at the newspaper, + which had a long account of Corbario's arrest and of the murder + of his old accomplice. "Poor Marcello!"</p> + + <p>"Poor Marcello! Yes, indeed! I'm sorry for him. There is + something more than is in the papers, and more than I have + written to you and told you. Regina has the perniciosa fever, + complicated with pneumonia, and is not likely to live."</p> + + <p>"I am sorry," the Contessa answered. "I am very sorry for + her. But after all, compared with what Marcello has learned + about his mother's death—and other things Corbario + did—"</p> + + <p>She stopped, implying by her tone that even if Regina died, + that would not be the greatest of Marcello's misfortunes. + Besides, she had long foreseen that the relations of the two + could not last, and the simplest solution, and the happiest one + for the poor devoted girl, was that she should die before her + heart was broken. Maddalena dell' Armi had often wished that + her own fate had been as merciful.</p> + + <p>"Yes," Kalmon answered. "You are right in that. But Regina + has made a rather strange request. It was very unexpected, and + perhaps I did wrong to tell her that I would do my best to + satisfy her. I don't think she will live, and I felt sorry for + her. That is why I came to you. It concerns Aurora."</p> + + <p>"Aurora?" The Contessa was surprised.</p> + + <p>"Yes. The girl knows she is dying, and wishes very much to + see Aurora for a moment. I suppose it was weak of me to give + her any hope."</p> + + <p>The Contessa dropped her newspaper and looked into the fire + thoughtfully before she answered.</p> + + <p>"You and I are very good friends," she said. "You would not + ask me to do anything you would not do yourself, would you? If + you had a daughter of Aurora's age, should you let her go and + see this poor woman, unless it were an act of real + charity?"</p> + + <p>"No," Kalmon answered reluctantly. "I don't think I + should."</p> + + <p>"Thank you for being so honest," Maddalena answered, and + looked at the fire again.</p> + + <p>Some time passed before she spoke again, still watching the + flames. Kalmon sighed, for he was very sorry for Regina.</p> + + <p>"On the other hand," the Contessa said at last, "it may be a + real charity. Have you any idea why she wishes to see + Aurora?"</p> + + <p>"No. I cannot guess."</p> + + <p>"I can. At least, I think I can." She paused again. "You + know everything about me," she continued presently. "In the + course of years I have told you all my story. Do you think I am + a better woman than Regina?"</p> + + <p>"My dear friend!" cried Kalmon, almost angrily. "How can you + suggest—"</p> + + <p>She turned her clear, sad eyes to him, and her look cut + short his speech.</p> + + <p>"What has her sin been?" she asked gently. "She has loved + Marcello. What was mine? That I loved one man too well. Which + is the better woman? She, the peasant, who knew no better, who + found her first love dying, and saved him, and loved + him—knowing no better, and braving the world? Or I, well + born, carefully brought up, a woman of the world, and + married—no matter how—not braving the world at all, + but miserably trying to deceive it, and my husband, and my + child? Do you think I was so much better than poor Regina? + Would my own daughter think so if she could know and + understand?"</p> + + <p>"If you were not a very good woman now," Kalmon said + earnestly, "you could not say what you are saying."</p> + + <p>"Never mind what I am now. I am not as good as you choose to + think. If I were, there would not be a bitter thought left. I + should have forgiven all. Leave out of the question what I am + now. Compare me as I was with Regina as she is. That is how I + put it, and I am right."</p> + + <p>"Even if you were," Kalmon answered doubtfully, "the + situation would be the same, so far as Aurora is + concerned."</p> + + <p>"But suppose that this poor woman cannot die in peace unless + she has asked Aurora's pardon and obtained her forgiveness, + what then?"</p> + + <p>"Her forgiveness? For what?"</p> + + <p>"For coming between her and Marcello. Say that, so far as + Regina knows, my daughter is the only human being she has ever + injured, what then?"</p> + + <p>"Does Aurora love Marcello?" asked Kalmon, instead of + answering the question.</p> + + <p>"I think she does. I am almost sure of it."</p> + + <p>Kalmon was silent for a while.</p> + + <p>"But Marcello," he said at last, "what of him?"</p> + + <p>"He has always loved Aurora," the Contessa answered. "Do you + blame him so much for what he has done? Why do you blame some + people so easily, my dear friend, and others not at all? Do you + realise what happened to him? He was virtually taken out of the + life he was leading, by a blow that practically destroyed his + memory, and of which the consequences altogether destroyed his + will for some time. He found himself saved and at the same time + loved—no, worshipped—by one of the most beautiful + women in the world. Never mind her birth! She has never looked + at any other man, before or since, and from what I have heard, + she never will. Ah, if all women were like her! Marcello, weak + from illness, allowed himself to be worshipped, and Corbario + did the rest. I understand it all. Do you blame him very much? + I don't. With all your strength of character, you would have + done the same at his age! And having taken what she offered, + what could he do, when he grew up and came to himself, and felt + his will again? Could he cast her off, after all she had done + for him?"</p> + + <p>"He could marry her," observed Kalmon. "I don't see why he + should not, after all."</p> + + <p>"Marriage!" There was a little scornful sadness in + Maddalena's voice. "Marriage is always the solution! No, no, he + is right not to marry her, if he has ever thought of it. They + would only make each other miserable for the rest of their + lives. Miserable, and perhaps faithless too. That is what + happens when men and women are not saints. Look at me!"</p> + + <p>"You were never in that position. Others were to blame, who + made you marry when you were too young to have any will of your + own."</p> + + <p>"Blame no one," said the Contessa gravely. "I shall give + Aurora Regina's message, and if she is willing to go and see + her, I shall bring her to-morrow morning—to-night, if + there is no time to be lost. The world need never know. Go and + tell Regina what I have said. It may comfort her a little, poor + thing."</p> + + <p>"Indeed it will!"</p> + + <p>Kalmon's brown eyes beamed with pleasure at the thought of + taking the kindly message to the dying girl. He rose to his + feet at once.</p> + + <p>"There is no one like you," he said, as he took her + hand.</p> + + <p>"It is nothing. It is what Marcello's mother would have + done, and she was my best friend. All I do is to take the + responsibility upon myself, however Aurora may choose to act. I + will send you word, in either case. If Aurora will not go, I + will come myself, if I can be of any use, if it would make + Regina feel happier. I will come, and I will tell her what I + have told you. Good-night, dear friend."</p> + + <p>Kalmon was not an emotional man, but as he went out he felt + a little lump in his throat, as if he could not swallow.</p> + + <p>He had not doubted his friend's kindness, but he had doubted + whether she would feel that she had a right to "expose her + daughter," as the world would say, to meeting such a "person," + as the world called Regina—"Consalvi's Regina."</p> + <hr /> + + <h2><a name='CHAPTER_XXII'></a>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + + <p>All that night and the following day Regina recognised no + one; and it was night again, and her strength began to fail, + but her understanding returned. Marcello saw the change, and + made a sign to the nurse, who went out to tell Kalmon.</p> + + <p>It was about nine o'clock when he entered the room, and + Regina knew him and looked at him anxiously. He, in turn, + glanced at Marcello, and she understood. She begged Marcello to + go and get some rest. Her voice was very weak, as if she were + suffocating, and she coughed painfully. He did not like to go + away, but Kalmon promised to call him at midnight; he had been + in the room six hours, scarcely moving from his seat. He + lingered at the door, looked back, and at last went out.</p> + + <p>"Will she come?" asked Regina, when he was gone.</p> + + <p>"In half an hour. I have sent a messenger, for they have no + telephone."</p> + + <p>A bright smile lighted up the wasted face.</p> + + <p>"Heaven will reward you," she said, as the poor say in Rome + when they receive a charity.</p> + + <p>Then she seemed to be resting, for her hands lay still, and + she closed her eyes. But presently she opened them, looking up + gratefully into the big man's kind face.</p> + + <p>"Shall I be alone with her a little?" she asked.</p> + + <p>"Yes, my dear. You shall be alone with her."</p> + + <p>Again she smiled, and he left the nurse with her and went + and waited downstairs at the street door, till the Contessa and + Aurora should come, in order to take them up to the little + apartment. He knew that Marcello must have fallen asleep at + once, for he had not rested at all for twenty-four hours, and + very little during several days past. Kalmon was beginning to + fear that he would break down, though he was so much stronger + than formerly.</p> + + <p>Marcello had always been grateful to Regina, even when he + had convinced himself that he loved her. Love is not very + compatible with gratitude. Two people who love each other very + much expect everything because they are always ready to give + everything, not in return or by way of any exchange, but as if + the two were one in giving and taking. A man cannot be grateful + to himself. But Marcello had never felt that dear illusion with + Regina, because there had been no real companionship; and so he + had always been grateful to her, and now that she was perhaps + dying, he was possessed by the horribly painful certainty that + he could never repay her what he owed, and that this debt of + honour must remain unpaid for ever, if she died. There was much + more than that in what he felt, of course, for there was his + very real affection, tormented by the foreboding of the coming + wrench, and there was the profound sympathy of a very kind man + for a suffering woman. But all that together was not love like + hers for him; it was not love at all.</p> + + <p>Kalmon waited, and smoked a little, reflecting on these + things, which he understood tolerably well. The quiet man of + science had watched Marcello thoughtfully, and could not help + asking himself what look there would be in his own eyes, if + Maddalena dell' Armi were dying and he were standing by her + bedside. It would not be Marcello's look.</p> + + <p>A closed cab stopped before the entrance, and almost before + he could throw away his cigarette, the Contessa and Aurora were + standing beside him on the pavement.</p> + + <p>"She is very weak," he said, "but she will not be delirious + again for some time—if at all."</p> + + <p>Neither of the ladies spoke, and they followed him in + silence up the ill-lighted staircase.</p> + + <p>"That is where I live," he said, as he passed his own door + on the second landing. "Marcello is camping there. He is + probably asleep now."</p> + + <p>"Asleep!" It was Aurora that uttered the single word, in a + puzzled tone.</p> + + <p>"He did not go to bed last night," Kalmon explained, going + on.</p> + + <p>"Oh!" Again the Professor was struck by the young girl's + tone.</p> + + <p>They reached the third landing, and Kalmon pushed the door, + which he had left ajar; he shut it when they had all entered, + and he ushered the mother and daughter into the small + sitting-room. There they waited a moment while he went to tell + Regina that Aurora had come.</p> + + <p>The young girl dropped her cloak upon a chair and stood + waiting, her eyes fixed on the door. She was a little pale, not + knowing what was to come, yet feeling somehow that it was to + make a great difference to her ever afterwards. She glanced at + her mother, and the Contessa smiled gently, as much as to say + that she was doing right, but neither spoke.</p> + + <p>Presently Kalmon came out with the Sister of Charity, who + bent her head gravely to the two ladies.</p> + + <p>"She wishes to see you alone," Kalmon said, in explanation, + while he held the door open for Aurora to pass in.</p> + + <p>He closed it after her, and the two were together.</p> + + <p>When Aurora entered, Regina's eyes were fixed upon her face + as if they had already found her and seen her while she had + been in the other room. She came straight to the bedside and + took the hand that was stretched out to meet hers. It was thin + and hot now, and the arm was already wasted. Aurora remembered + how strongly it had lifted her to the edge of the rock, far + away by Pontresina.</p> + + <p>"You are very kind, Signorina," said the faint voice. "You + see how I am."</p> + + <p>Aurora saw indeed, and kept the hand in hers as she sat down + in the chair that stood where Marcello had left it.</p> + + <p>"I am very, very sorry," she said, leaning forward a little + and looking into the worn face, colourless now that the fever + had subsided for a while.</p> + + <p>The same bright smile that Kalmon had seen lighted up + Regina's features.</p> + + <p>"But I am glad!" she answered. "They do not understand that + I am glad."</p> + + <p>"No, no!" cried Aurora softly. "Don't say you are glad!"</p> + + <p>The smile faded, and a very earnest look came into the + hollow dark eyes.</p> + + <p>"But I have not done it on purpose," Regina said. "I did not + know there was fever in that place, or I would not have sat + down there. You believe me, Signorina, don't you?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, indeed!"</p> + + <p>The smile returned very gradually, and the anxious pressure + of the hand relaxed.</p> + + <p>"You must not think that I was looking for the fever. But + since it came, and I am going from here, I am glad. I shall not + be in the way any more. That hindrance will be taken out of his + life."</p> + + <p>"He would not like to hear you speak like this," Aurora + said, with great gentleness.</p> + + <p>"There is no time for anything except the truth, now. And + you are good, so good! No, there is no time. To-morrow, I shall + be gone. Signorina, if I could kneel at your feet, I would + kneel. But you see how I am. You must think I am kneeling at + your feet."</p> + + <p>"But why?" asked Aurora, with a little distress.</p> + + <p>"To ask you to forgive me for being a hindrance. I want + pardon before I go. But I found him half dead on the door-step. + What could I do? When I had seen him, I loved him. I knew that + he thought of you. That was all he remembered—just your + name, and I hated it, because he had forgotten all other names, + even his own, and his mother, and everything. He was like a + little child that learns, to-day this, to-morrow that, one + thing at a time. What could I do? I taught him. I also taught + him to love Regina. But when the memory came back, I knew how + it had been before."</p> + + <p>Her voice broke and she coughed, and raised one hand to her + chest. Aurora supported her tenderly until it was over, and + when the weary head sank back at last it lay upon the young + girl's willing arm.</p> + + <p>"You are tiring yourself," Aurora said. "If it was to ask my + forgiveness that you wished me to come, I forgave you long ago, + if there was anything to forgive. I forgave you when we met, + and I saw what you were, and that you loved him for himself, + just as I do."</p> + + <p>"Is it true? Really true?"</p> + + <p>"So may God help me, it is quite true. But if I had thought + it was not for himself—"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes, it was," Regina answered. "It was, and it is, to + the end. Will you see? I will show you. For what the eyes see + the heart believes more easily. Signorina, will you bring the + little box covered with old velvet? It is there, on the table, + and it is open."</p> + + <p>Aurora rose, humouring her, and brought the thing she asked + for, and sat down again, setting it on the edge of the bed. + Regina turned her head to see it, and raised the lid with one + hand.</p> + + <p>"This is my little box," she said. "What he has given me is + all in it. I have no other. Will you see? Here is what I have + taken from him. You shall look everywhere, if you do not + believe."</p> + + <p>"But I do believe you!" Aurora cried, feeling that tears + were coming to her eyes.</p> + + <p>"But you must see," Regina insisted. "Or perhaps when I am + gone you will say to yourself, 'There may have been diamonds + and pearls in the little box, after all!' You shall know that + it was all for himself."</p> + + <p>To please her Aurora took up some of the simple trinkets, + simpler and cheaper even than what she had herself.</p> + + <p>"There are dresses, yes, many more than I wanted. But I + could not let him be ashamed of me when we went out together, + and travelled. Do you forgive me the dresses, Signorina? I wore + them to please him. Please forgive me that also!"</p> + + <p>Aurora dropped the things into the open box and laid both + her hands on Regina's, bending down her radiant head and + looking very earnestly into the anxious eyes.</p> + + <p>"Forgiveness is not all from me to you, Regina," she said. + "I want yours too."</p> + + <p>"Mine?" The eyes grew wide and wondering.</p> + + <p>"Don't you see that but for me he would have married you, + and that I have been the cause of a great wrong to you?"</p> + + <p>For one instant Regina's face darkened, her brows + straightened themselves, and her lip curled. She remembered + how, only two days ago, in the very next room, Marcello had + insisted that she should he his wife. But as she looked into + Aurora's innocent eyes she understood, and the cloud passed + from her own, and the bright smile came back. Aurora had spoken + in the simplicity of her true heart, sure that it was only the + memory of his love for her that had withheld Marcello from + first to last; and Regina well knew that it had always been + present with him, in spite of his brave struggle to put it + away. That memory of another, which Regina had seen slowly + reviving in him, had been for something in her refusal to marry + him.</p> + + <p>With the mysterious sure vision of those who are near death, + she felt that it would hurt Aurora to know the truth, except + from Marcello himself.</p> + + <p>"If you have ever stood between us," she said, "you had the + right. He loved you first. There is nothing to forgive in that. + Afterwards he loved me a little. No one can take that from me, + no one! It is mine, and it is all I have, and though I am + going, and though I know that he is tired of me, it is still + more than the world. To have it, as I have it, I would do again + what I did, from the first."</p> + + <p>The voice was weak and muffled, but the words were distinct, + and they were the confession of poor Regina's life.</p> + + <p>"If he were here," she said, after a moment, "I would lay + your hand in his. Only let me take that memory with me!"</p> + + <p>The young girl rose and bent over her as she answered.</p> + + <p>"It is yours, to keep for ever."</p> + + <p>She stooped a little lower and kissed the dying woman's + forehead.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>Under the May moon a little brigantine came sailing up to a + low island just within sight of Italy; when she was within half + a mile of the reefs Don Antonino Maresca put her about, for he + was a prudent man, and he knew that there are just a few more + rocks in the sea than are in the charts. It was a quiet night, + and he was beating up against a gentle northerly breeze.</p> + + <p>When the head yards were swung, and braced sharp up for the + other tack, and the little vessel had gathered way again, the + mate came aft and stood by the captain, watching the light on + the island.</p> + + <p>"Are there still convicts on this island, Don Antonino?" the + young man asked.</p> + + <p>"Yes, there are the convicts. And there is one among them + whom I helped to put there. He is an assassin that killed many + when he was at liberty. But now he sits for seven years in a + little cell alone, and sees no Christian, and it will be thirty + years before he is free."</p> + + <p>"Madonna!" ejaculated the mate. "When he has been there + thirty years he will perhaps understand."</p> + + <p>"It is as I say," rejoined the captain. "The world is made + so. There are the good and the bad. The Eternal Father has + created things thus. Get a little more on the main sheet, and + then flatten in those jibs."</p> + + <p>Under the May moon, in the small shaft of white light that + fell through the narrow grated window, a man sat on the edge of + his pallet bed. His face was ghastly, and there were strange + scars on his bare throat. His cell was seven feet by six, and + the air was hard to breathe, because the wind was not from the + south. But the moon was kinder than the sun. He heard the + ripple of the cool sea, and he tried to dream that a great + stone was hung to his neck, and that he had been thrown into a + deep place. Perhaps, some day, the gaoler would forget to take + away the coarse towel which was brought with the water in the + morning. With a towel he could hang himself.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>Under the May moon a small marble cross cast its shadow upon + young roses and violets and growing myrtle. In the sweet earth + below a very loyal heart was at rest for ever. But the flowers + were planted and still tended by a woman with radiant hair; and + sometimes, when she stooped to train the young roses, bright + drops fell quietly upon their bloom. Also, on certain days, a + man came there alone and knelt upon the marble border within + which the flowers grew. But the man and the woman never came + together; and he gave the gardener of that place money, + praising him for the care of the flowers.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>Under the May moon the man and the woman went down from the + cottage by the Roman shore to the break in the high bank, and + stood still a while, looking out at the peaceful sea and the + moon's broad path. Presently they turned to each other, put out + their hands, and then their arms, and clasped each other + silently, and kissed.</p> + +<hr /> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13932 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |