'They are sous: count them,' she said shortly, putting them down before Carmela.
'It does not matter-they are sure to be right,' said the poor little thing, trembling with emotion. 'The Eternal Father should give it back to you in health, the kindness you do me.'
'Very good,' Donna Concetta finished up with, sitting down again to work. 'But I warn you I'll sell the earrings if you don't pay.'
'Never fear,' Carmela murmured as she went off.
For a little the sisters were alone, stitching.
'The earrings are worth twelve francs in gold,' said Caterina. She had sharp ears.
'Yes,' said Concetta; 'but Carmela will pay; she is a good girl.'
Again they heard the bell tinkle.
'It sounds like the midwife's bell,' Caterina remarked.
A dragging noise was heard, the sound of a box put down in the corner of the stair, and Michele, the shoeblack, came in with his hip up, as if he was still carrying his block. He greeted them in the Spanish style, saying, 'La vostra buona grazia' (I am your humble servant), whilst the thousand wrinkles on his rickety boy's face, grown old, seemed to breathe out malice. The sisters looked patiently at him, waiting till he spoke.