AN EMPHATIC APPEAL
The matter, however, was not at all satisfactorily settled for Silvio. He understood that he must do without Rico for two days, but it wore upon his patience as the hours dragged along. He fretted and tossed about, wishing continually for Rico. Before the second day was over Mrs. Menotti's strength had been severely taxed.
When Rico understood that he was really homeless, his thoughts turned to Stineli more than ever before. A new feeling of satisfaction came to him as he considered how much her friendship had meant to him and how much the future might mean if they could be again together as in days past. So continually had she been in his mind the last few days, that he had scarcely reached Silvio's side before he said, "Silvio, it seems to me as if no one could be quite happy without Stineli."
"Mamma, I want Stineli," said Silvio, as he pulled himself to a sitting posture. "I want her to come to me because I can't have Rico, and he says that no one can be quite happy without her."
Mrs. Menotti knew of whom they were speaking, for she had often heard Rico mention her during the years he had been with them. "Yes," she said, "it would be delightful if we could have her, but my little boy must not forget to be reasonable."
"But we can have her, mamma," broke in Silvio. "Rico knows where she is, and he can go to-morrow and bring her to us."
Mrs. Menotti had for some time secretly wished that Rico might find for her some one to assist in the care of Silvio, but she would not for a moment consider letting the boy go back to the perils from which he had so fortunately escaped. She sought to change the subject of conversation between the children, and endeavored to interest them in other things, but she failed to keep them from going back to the original subject. Silvio would invariably say, "Rico knows where she is and he must get her."
"Do you suppose that Rico will deliberately go among those wicked people to get her, when he can stay here in safety?" asked the mother.
"Will you?" said Silvio, fastening his large blue eyes upon Rico.