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.

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.

"He will never come back! Something dreadful has happened to him!" And
therewith she broke down completely and burst into tears.

"You must go and look for him," said Maddalena quietly to Corbario.

"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."

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.

Aurora was left alone with the two women.

"I am afraid Marcello is gone to Rome," she said, with an effort.