"Buona sera," she said. "Please to excuse our little Emilio. He chatters like the wren."
Signor Ramalli bowed and removed his hat. "You have an elder son, Giorgio?" he asked.
"Si," the mother replied anxiously. "Has something happened to him?"
"No, no, Signora. Everything is most right."
"Then will you please to come in and have a coffee while you wait? At this moment Giorgio should be in the barn, bedding our donkey. Soon he comes."
"Thank you kindly, but I will go to find him; that is, if you will be so good as to direct me."
The mother stepped out onto the porch. "You go only a little downhill," she said, "just beyond the public fountain. As you go, it is on your right hand. My little Emilio here can take you, but he must hurry back."
Emilio, flushed with importance, took the stranger's hand and led him the short distance to the stable. "Giorgio!" he called out. "Here is a Signore who wants to see you!" Then reluctantly he turned and headed for home, glancing back at every step.
Giorgio was leading Pippa out between the shafts of the cart. "You come to see me?" he asked of the strange man.
Signor Ramalli stepped up and shook hands briskly. "Go on working, Giorgio, while I talk. From the fragrant smells at your house I believe a good bean soup is simmering, and I must not delay you."