“Yes—at the Baptistry,” Armstrong replied; “and you are sure to enjoy it—the sacristan makes up such a funny face when he intones.”
“The echo at Montecatini, I understand, is taking a long vacation,” observed Uncle Peabody.
“How so?” inquired Inez, innocently.
“The regular echo was ill, and the sacristan failed to coach the new boy properly. The visitor called, ‘What is the hour?’ and the echo came back, ‘Four o’clock’!”
Jack and Inez led the way from the hotel, through the narrow walled streets and under the gateway to the Piazza del Duomo, where all the splendor of the marvellous group of buildings burst upon them. Helen pleaded fatigue and asked to be left in the Duomo while the others set out to climb the Leaning Tower and to inspect the Campo Santo; so Uncle Peabody insisted on staying with her. They sat down on one of the wooden benches beneath the lamp of Galileo, and Helen rested her head upon her hand. Uncle Peabody watched her curiously for a moment. Finally he took her hand quietly in his. Helen started.
“I would do it if I were you, Helen,” he said, deliberately.
“Do what?” she asked, surprised into confusion.
“Just what you were thinking of doing when I interrupted you.”
“Do you know what I was thinking, then?”
“No.” Uncle Peabody spoke in a very matter-of-fact way. “But I am sure it is the right thing to do.”