"But come, I am afraid your father will be waiting for you. I didn't notice how fast the time was going."
They hurried back to the house. There, to be sure, were Pietro and his master. It had been a fine day. The fruit was all sold for a good price, and their father was eager to hear how the time had passed with his children.
"Oh, babbo, babbo, they were so kind, those good Americans. And I am very happy," said Tessa. She said this softly as she leaned over the donkey's side to pat her father's face while they were on the way home.
"The little girl (her name is Lucy, babbo,) did not seem to notice my bare feet and darned frock. She held my hand a long time, and I know I shall love her."
CHAPTER III.
THE STORY OF ÆNEAS
Day after day Tessa and Beppo travelled over the road to Rome with their father. They were always happy, always gentle, always merry.
The artist and his family grew to love the children and wish they could do something to make their lives easier.