"I wish to commend some one to your care."
"To my care? Who is it?"
"An old man, a woman, and a little child."
The two men looked at each other in silence, one deeply moved, the other amazed.
"Don't you understand?" Luisa whispered.
No, he neither understood nor answered.
"I commend my wife, my daughter, and the old uncle to your care," Franco replied.
"Oh!" the Professor exclaimed, looking in astonishment from one to the other.
"I am going away," said Franco, with a smile that went to Gilardoni's heart. "We have not told Uncle Piero yet, but I must go. In our position I cannot stay here doing nothing. I shall say I am going to Milan, and those who will may believe it, but I shall really be in Piedmont."
Gilardoni clasped his hands in silent amazement. Luisa embraced Franco and kissed him, holding his head upon her breast, her eyes closed.