Lucia's eyes looked into his for a brief, but never-to-be-forgotten
moment.




CHAPTER XVII

GOOD-BY TO CELLINO

It was over a month before Captain Riccardi was well enough to be
moved, but at last the beautiful day for the departure for the south
came.

"Do you really mean we are going?" Beppi demanded.

"Of course we are, darling," Lucia replied, laughing. She was so
excited that she could hardly wait to dress Beppi and Nana with the
patience that such an undertaking required. Nana had a new dress, Aunt
Rudini made it with Maria's help, and though it was too somber for
Lucia's color loving eyes, it was a new dress and she fastened it on
Nana's bent shoulders with a glow of pride.

"There now!" she exclaimed when it was on and Nana's stringy gray hair
had been reduced to some sort of order.

"Turn around and let me see you."

Nana turned. She was in a flutter of excitement, although she would
not have admitted it for the world.