He had returned to Aquaviva at once, and it was not easy to send a message.

Two days later, however, Giovanni took the trouble of going to the man's home.

He was not altogether surprised when Gigi confirmed Pasquale's tale in every particular.
Corona had actually been at Saracinesca to find out if Giovanni was there or not; and on hearing that he was at the castle, she had fled precipitately.

Giovanni was naturally grave and of a melancholy temper; but during the last few months he had been more than usually taciturn, occupying himself with dogged obstinacy in the construction of his aqueduct, visiting the works in the day and spending hours in the evening over the plans.

He was waiting.