"Won't you try once more, carina? It is best for us all to have no discord."
"I want to be friends with Guiseppe," replied Pappina.
She waited again for the man. This time she look hold of his hand and, looking archly into his face, asked: "Is he going to be cross all day?"
He pulled his hand away.
"Don't you like me this morning?" There was no reply. "Not a bit, Guiseppe?"
No one but such a bear as Guiseppe was just then could have resisted this fairy, who smiled so steadfastly into his face.
"Basta," he said sternly. This rebuff was sufficient for Pappina. She took her place by Marta's side and they walked on in silence, trudging over four and a half miles to the little fishing village of Cetara.
On the beach was a group of fishermen, with their wives and children—the women busily mending their fishing–nets, the men smoking and chatting; all enjoying life together.
As soon as Guiseppe saw them he hastened his footsteps, overtook Marta and Pappina, and was soon far ahead of them, down on the beach with the fishermen.
When Marta and Pappina reached the group they stopped and stood hesitating whether or not to join Guiseppe. There was no sign from him.