"Look, Father Rocco, see if I can't carry them!" cried La
Biondella, cramming her bread into one of the pockets of her
little apron, holding her bunch of grapes by the stalk in her
mouth, and hoisting the packet of dinner-mats on her head in a
moment. "See, I am strong enough to carry double," said the
child, looking up proudly into the priest's face.
"Can you trust her to take them home for me?" asked Father Rocco,
turning to Nanina. "I want to speak to you alone, and her absence
will give me the opportunity. Can you trust her out by herself?"
"Yes, Father Rocco, she often goes out alone." Nanina gave this
answer in low, trembling tones, and looked down confusedly on the
ground.
"Go then, my dear," said Father Rocco, patting the child on the
shoulder; "and come back here to your sister, as soon as you have
left the mats."
La Biondella went out directly in great triumph, with
Scarammuccia walking by her side, and keeping his muzzle
suspiciously close to the pocket in which she had put her bread.
Father Rocco closed the door after them, and then, taking the one
chair which the room possessed, motioned to Nanina to sit by him
on the stool.
"Do you believe that I am your friend, my child, and that I have
always meant well toward you?" he began.
"The best and kindest of friends," answered Nanina.
"Then you will hear what I have to say patiently, and you will
believe that I am speaking for your good, even if my words should
distress you?" (Nanina turned away her head.
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