The sexton, hearing voices, opened the door.
"I found your little girl last night," he said. "You see, she was sleeping by the sacred tomb of St.—"
"Diavolo!" interrupted Guiseppe harshly. "Why didn't you kick her down the steps?"
"Guiseppe, for shame! The poor little dear!" Marta cried, as she hugged Pappina close to her.
"Don't be hard on the child," begged the sexton. "She was tired and sleepy. I'd have let her sleep inside, but it's against the rules, so I had to put her out. Poverina," he said, laying his hand on Pappina's head.
"Poverina! Bah! Put her down, Marta." Guiseppe took Pappina roughly by the arm as he continued: "I'm sick of your behavior. You must understand you are bound to me—to me. I paid money for you, and what do I get? Trouble, trouble, nothing else."
"I know it, Guiseppe. I'm sorry, but this time I couldn't help it."