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.