the Signorina."

"Why?"

"Why not? What harm does it do? The Signorina does not go to Naples
alone."

"Per Dio!" he interrupted, in a tone almost of horror.

"Of course I should never allow that. But here on the island--why,
what could happen to her here? Come, Gaspare, tell me what it is you
are thinking of. You haven't told me yet. I knew directly you came in
that you had something you wanted to say. What is it?"

"I know it is not my business," he said. "And I should never speak to
the Signorina, but--"

"Well, Gaspare?"

"Signora, all sorts of people come here to the island--men from
Naples. We do not know them. We cannot tell who they are. And they can
all see the Signorina. And they can even talk to her."

"The fishermen, you mean?"

"Any one who comes in a boat."

"Well, but scarcely any one ever comes but the fishermen. You know
that."