Then they would tell her that Veronica was dead; and then--then she could sleep for hours, nights, days, calmly, and at rest.
She bathed her tired face in cold water, and went to face them at luncheon.

With iron will, she ate and drank and talked, bearing herself bravely, as some great actresses have acted out their parts, while death waited for them at the stage door.
Had the weather been fine, she would have persuaded Veronica to drive with her, as on the previous day.

But it was dark and gloomy, and there would be rain before night.

She talked with the young girl, and began to make plans with her for going away.

Gregorio ate nothing, and looked on, uttering a monosyllable now and then, and laughing frantically, two or three times.