‘To defend Rome, of course,’ answered Leone.
‘But no one is coming to take Rome, child,’ objected his mother.
‘Oh, yes, they may!’ He seemed quite confident. ‘If there are no other enemies, there are always the French and the priests!’
At this astounding view of Italy’s situation Maria could not help laughing.
‘We are good friends with the French now,’ she said. ‘And who has been telling you that the priests are the enemies of Italy?’
‘Gianluca Trasmondo says so,’ answered Leone. ‘He knows, for his uncle is a cardinal. Besides, no priests are soldiers, are they? So they wouldn’t defend Italy. So they’re Italy’s enemies.’
‘You are wrong, darling,’ answered Maria. ‘The priests have all had to do their military service first.’
‘What? And wear uniforms, and go to drill, and smoke Toscano cigars?’
‘I’m not sure about the smoking,’ laughed Maria; ‘but they have to serve their time in the army, just like other men.’