“I have read it,” confessed Minichini.
“The maestra is coming,” whispered Vitali, the sentinel.
“What is the matter, that you don’t sew, Spaccapietra?” asked the teacher.
“Nothing,” replied Caterina, casting down her eyes, while her hands trembled.
“Do you feel ill? Would you like to go out into the air?”
“No, thank you, I am well; I prefer to stay here.”
“Are you in trouble about Altimare?” asked Avigliana.
“No, no,” murmured the other, shyly.
“After all, what can they do to her?” said Casacalenda.
“Diamine, they won’t eat her,” said Minichini. “If they do anything to her, we will avenge her.”