“Oh no. But the poor thing’s eating dry bread, and—”
“And what, you puss?”
“Well, he’s a very obedient boy.”
“How can you know that?”
“He was idling in the boat, and I called out to him to jump into the sea, and he jumped in immediately.”
“Do you think because he heard you?”
“Certainly I do.”
“You conceited little creature! Perhaps he was only pleasing himself!”
“No, Madre, no. I think I should like to give him a little reward presently—for his singing too.”
“Get him a dolce, then, from Carmela, if there is one. And you can give him some cigarettes.”