"See, babbo, the pretty birdie!"
He pushed the boy away roughly, jealous of this usurper who had taken and must always keep the place of the eldest, the place of his own son. The childish lip quivered and tears rolled down over the round rosy cheeks.
"Be quiet!" said Egidio gruffly, "if you cry or make a noise I shall beat you!"
Mimmo dropped the block and ran to Virginia; he hid his face in her skirt and sobbed loud and long.
"For shame, Valentini!" she said sharply.
For answer he made an angry gesture and left the room, slamming the door to, after him. Virginia and Ferrati stared at each other in consternation.
"He hates the child," said Virginia, "he never liked him but now that the other has come, he hates him! God knows it was hard enough before, for that poor thing," she waved her hand towards the door of Ragna's room, "but it will be an Inferno now. I always told you, Rico mio, that this marriage would turn out badly."
Then as little Mimmo's sobs continued she kissed him and caressed his fair curly head.
"There, there, Mimmo caro, be a good boy! Babbo didn't mean to frighten his little man! Look up! There is only Zia Virginia who loves you. You must be a good boy and help take care of poor mammina who is ill. Hush now! If you are good, I will show you your new little brother, such a dear little baby boy, just come from heaven!"
"I don't want a little brother," said Mimmo suddenly, "wants my mammina, wants to go to her! Take little brother away, Mimmo doesn't want to see him."