She turned her face towards him at once; understanding, she smiled, her eyes still wet, and signed to him to come nearer, and to speak softly.

What was the matter?
The matter was that Jeanne wished to start for Santa Scolastica at once.

Noemi explained that she had only just awakened, and that _at once_ meant an hour and a half at least.

But they must send to Subiaco for a carriage, for Jeanne was in no condition to walk more than was absolutely necessary--more than the last part of the way.

A ring of the bell called Noemi away.
Jeanne was waiting for her with impatience.
"What a chatterbox of a maid!" she said, half jestingly and half irritably.