He got up and stretched himself, towering above her.

"Shall we stroll about a little?" he added. "I feel quite cramped with
sitting."

"You go. I'll finish this flower."

"I'll take a turn and come back."

As he went she dropped her embroidery and sat staring straight before
her at the sea.

Artois heard voices in the house, and listened for a new one, the
voice of Peppina. But he could not distinguish it. He went down into
the tiny garden. No one was there, and he returned, and passing
through the house came out on its farther side. Here he met Gaspare
coming up from the sea.

"Good-evening, Gaspare," he said.

"Good-evening, Signore."

"I hear there's a new-comer in the house."

"Signore?"

"A new servant."

Gaspare lifted his large eyes towards heaven.