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.
The Signora raised herself in her long chair and stared hard at the
girl. The Contessa looked at her in surprise.
"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?"
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.
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