"Come, little one, come," he said, "and to–morrow you shall buy a splendid dress, bright and new."
Pappina was interested.
"Will you take me to the Toledo, where all the lords and ladies are?" she asked.
"Si, si, carina [yes, yes, little dear]," said Guiseppe guilefully.
"Go with him, bambina. It is best," said Pietro, trying to disguise his fears and hide his sorrow.
Pappina, taught always to obey her parents, hesitated no longer.
"I'm ready," she said, leaving her mother's side.
There were no preparations to make for the child's departure, no clothes to fold and pack. All she owned she was wearing. She had only to bid adieu to the loved ones before starting out with Guiseppe Capasso into the street, into a new life.
Elisa, wringing her hands and with tears raining down her cheeks, watched her most beautiful child disappear into the dusk. Her grief would have been wilder still had she known the truth—for Pappina was leaving San Lucia forever.
On thy dear head my hands I lay
In solemn, fervent prayer,
Praying that God may keep thee
Thus pure and sweet and fair.