"I'll try what youth and beauty will do. I'll take her to the Toledo with the Punchinellos. Can you sing, girl?" he asked turning his glowering eyes on Pappina.
"Si, signor."
"Get up and give us a song; dance if you can. I feed and clothe no one who can't earn what I give."
He waited a moment, watching Pappina's flashing eyes. She made no move to obey him, but, looking at Marta who sat with downcast lids, she followed her example of silence. In all the poverty of her home no such crossness had ever been shown Pappina, and she was not quick to submit to tyranny.
"Why don't you do as I tell you, girl?" exclaimed Guiseppe threateningly.
"Because, Signor Guiseppe, I couldn't sing for you when you are so cross and mean. When we go this afternoon to the Toledo, if you're good to me, I will sing and dance, and they'll give me money, lots of it."
"Per bacco! The minx has courage!" Guiseppe muttered, then added gruffly: "Dress, then, at once. We'll go and see what stuff you're made of."
It was a small matter to put on the new shoes and don the simple little frock. As Pappina was putting on the bright dress she could hardly stand still. It was so fine to her that she could scarcely believe it was her own.
Suddenly remembering who had given her the money with which to buy the gorgeous garment, she ran to Guiseppe. Climbing upon his knee, she threw her arms about his neck.