THE ADVICE
Under these conditions it was a pleasure and relief to Mrs. Menotti to see the pastor walking up the garden path. He came frequently to inquire after the health of the little one. As usual he was dressed in his long black coat.
"Silvio, the pastor is coming; isn't that nice?" said Mrs. Menotti, as she went to the door to meet him.
"I don't want to see him. I wish it were Stineli," said Silvio, pouting. Then seeing that the pastor had heard him, he covered his head with the bedclothes.
"My little boy is out of humor to-day, and I am sure he didn't mean what he said," apologized the mother.
They heard the boy under the covers say, "I did mean it."
The pastor must have suspected where the voice came from, for he walked straight over to the bed, although there was not a bit of Silvio in sight. He said: "God bless you, my son, how are you feeling, and why do you hide yourself like a little fox? Creep out of there and tell me what you mean by Stineli."
Instantly Silvio's head was out and he said, "Rico's Stineli."
"You must be seated, pastor," said Mrs. Menotti. "I will tell you what Silvio means, for I want your advice very much."