31. “Good day, little cousin,” he said, coming up to Fortunato. “How you have grown! Have you seen a man passing just now?”
Cunning in character further revealed.
32. “Oh, I am not so tall as you, Cousin,” the child replied with a foolish look.
33. “That time’s coming. But have you not seen a man pass by?—Tell me.”
34. “If I have seen a man pass by?”
35. “Yes, a man with a pointed cap and a waistcoat embroidered in red and yellow?”
36. “A man with a pointed cap and a waistcoat embroidered in red and yellow?”
37. “Yes; answer quickly, and don’t repeat my questions.”
38. “This morning Monsieur le Curé passed our door on his horse Piero. He asked me how papa was, and I told him—”
Suspense.