“Are they not ashamed? It is not even two dollars. And doubtless they made you work hard for it, eh?”
“There was always work, yes; but ….”
“But what?”
“She said that … that at New Year I should have a present. And now … now ….”
And Mattina suddenly realizing that the present, the long dreamed of present, was lost for ever, burst into wild sobs.
“Bah! Bah! And is it for their miserable present that you are spoiling your heart’s content? Am I not here to get you a far more beautiful present?”
Mattina lifted streaming eyes, full of wonder.
“You!”
“Who else? And what shall the present be?”
The heavens seemed opening in glory before Mattina’s dazzled eyes.