"Ah, gossip, why have you shorn him like this? He seems quite bald!"
"Never mind, gossip," replied Big Anania, carrying on the agreeable jest of this lady who was not exactly his fellow sponsor, "this chicken's feathers were as thick as a wood——"
"Well," interrupted the lady, "have you done your duty?"
"Yes, yes."
"I'm so glad. Believe me, it's only legitimate sons who are the support of their father in his old age."
Then Signor Carboni came over, and said, looking at his godson.
"What demon eyes this young highlander has! Well, youngster, what are you hiding them for? Laughing at me, eh? you little devil!"
Anania was laughing for joy at being publicly addressed by his godfather and favourably regarded by Signora Carboni.
"What are you going to do with yourself, little devil?"
Anania hung his head, then looked up with the bright eyes which Aunt Tatàna's ministrations had quite cured of their weakness. Then he tried to hide behind his parent.