"And why not, good mother? Why do you worry?"
"Because the two fools will have no money to be married on. They are called in San Rosario next Sunday, and the next is their wedding-day. He has pawned the boat his uncle gave him."
"And if he wins?"
"He will not win, Luigi. When that brute came in from the little race we had last week I was passing in a sandolo on my way to San Giorgio. He was panting like a child after a run. If he had no breath left in him then, where will he be to-day?"
"One cannot tell, good mother. Who told the boy I would lose the race?"
"Beppo Cavalli."
"Ah! the Nicolletti," muttered Luigi.
"Yes."
"He has a boy, too, has he not, good mother?"