He would have taught him to be a loyal Italian. For Anna's father was a real patriot.
Robert Browning, the poet, has said, "Open my heart and you will see inside of it—Italy." If Anna's father had been a poet, he might have said something like this.
"Dinner is ready," announced Anna's mother.
Tony watched as the family left the room. He knew that they had gone into the dining room. He waited patiently beneath the window until they returned.
When they came back, Anna's father eased himself into an armchair.
"Come, little Anna," he said. "I am going to read to you."
Anna crawled on to his lap with Tina clasped lovingly in her arms. Tina had a puffed, happy look, as if she, too, had dined well!
Tony smiled to himself. He was going to hear Anna's father read stories. No one had ever read to Tony. He loved reading.
The night was warm. The moon shone. The window was open. Tony listened.