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.

"I am going to look for Marcello," said Aurora, as she passed close
beside him.

He said nothing, and hardly moved his head. Aurora turned and looked at
him as she stepped upon the path.

"What is the matter?" she asked, as she saw his face. "Is anything
wrong?"

Corbario looked up quickly, as if he had been in a reverie.

"Anything the matter? No. Where did you say you were going?"

"To find Marcello. He has not come in yet."

"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."

"Will you come with me?" Aurora asked, for she was in a good humour with
Folco.

He rose at once.

"I'll go with you for a stroll," he said, "but I don't think it is of