'Of course. I should get four, a sou a week for each franc; but you are a poor girl, and I really wish to help you. The dressmaker gives me the two francs for interest. You pay off the rest of the debt as it suits you, five or three francs at a time. Do you understand?'
'Yes, ma'am, yes,' the terrified girl cried out.
'The quicker you pay the better for you, and it will suit me. However, I warn you, if you were to get the dressmaker to pay you in advance, go away, or play any trick of the kind, I'll come to you, my dear, and let you see who Concetta Esposito is. I would think nothing of going to the galleys for my heart's blood.... Have I made it plain?'
'Yes, ma'am, yes,' Antonietta stammered, with tears in her eyes.
'There is still time for you not to do it,' Donna Concetta ended up icily, bending down again to stitch the coverlet.
'No, no!' the girl screamed out—'whatever you like. Promise me to come to-morrow to Santa Chiara Road.'
'We see each other to-morrow,' said Donna Concetta, taking leave of her.
'You will bring the things and the money?'
'I must think over it.'
'Good-bye, aunt,' Nannina murmured, pale and more frightened than her friend.