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THE SPAGNOLETTO.
305
If thus the faint foreshadow of a grief
Can overcome thee. Listen? What was that?
MARIA (starts up, shudders violently, and, all at once, masters her emotion.) Why, I heard nothing, father.
RIBEBA.
Yes, a sound
Of footsteps, and a stifled call.
[He goes toward the casement. MAEIA tries to detain him.
MARJA.
Dear father,
Surely t was naught. Your ears deceive you. Hark,
The wind is rising, and you heard the leaves
Rustling together.
RIBERA.
Nay, I will look forth.
[He opens the casement and looks out in silence. MARIA stands behind him, with her hands clasped in an agony of fear.
RIBERA (calling).
Hist, answer ! Who goes there ? (a pause.) No sound. Thou’rt right,
Maria ; I see naught ; our garden lies
