Pappina looked pleadingly first at Marta then at Guiseppe, then burst into tears.
"Stop your crying, you wild–eyed beggar! Lost your spirit, too? What are you good for, I'd like to know, with beauty and spirit both gone!"
Pappina dried her tears and choked back her sobs, while Marta stood as if paralyzed. She longed to soothe the child, yet dared not, her old fear of Guiseppe upon her again.
"There'll be great dancing at the Vittoria to–night. Get up and show me what you can do. You needn't sing; I want to see your dancing."
Pappina did not move.
"Are you deaf, too? Didn't you hear me? I say dance!"
"Guiseppe," came faintly from the frightened child, "I will try to please you to–night, but I cannot dance now. Be good to me; then I shall be happy and dance all night if you wish me to."
"Oh, it's your own way you want again, is it? For once I want mine and I'll have it, too. Dance now—at once!"
"I'll try."