This announcement surprised Marta, for since her marriage she had never been away from Naples.
"You really mean we are going away?—away from Naples?—away from home?"
"What's the use of staying in Naples?" he growled. "It's money I want—money, I say. Old Parisotti goes down the coast every year. His old guitar isn't fit to listen to; neither can that girl of his sing. We have Pappina, and as soon as she's able we'll go."
Marta carried the news to Pappina, who was sitting up. She clapped her hands softly.
"Can we go soon, Marta?" she cried.
"As soon as you are well enough, carina. It is beautiful along the coast. You will like to be away from the crowded city—away, carina, where the birds sing, the flowers grow, the grass and trees are green, and the air is cool and fresh."
Before the end of the week Pappina came to breakfast and announced: "I'm ready to start, and I want to go at once."
All dimples and smiles, she went to Guiseppe and sat uninvited on his knee. Looking into his eyes, she asked: