"A thousand thanks, Excellency," said the boy, with a bow that
was magnificent; and he proceeded to distribute the money
between various obscure pockets.

"A thousand thanks, Excellency," said the girl, with a
courtesy.

"Addio, a buon' viaggio," said Peter.

"Addio, Eccellenze," said the boy.

"Addio, Eccellenze," said the girl.

But the Duchessa impulsively stooped down, and kissed the girl
on her poor little wrinkled brow. And when she stood up, Peter
saw that her eyes were wet.

The children moved off. They moved off, whispering together,
and gesticulating, after the manner of their race: discussing
something. Presently they stopped; and the boy came running
back, while his sister waited.

He doffed his hat, and said, "A thousand pardons, Excellency-"

"Yes? What is it?" Peter asked.

"With your Excellency's favour--is it obligatory that we should
take the train?"

"Obligatory?" puzzled Peter. "How do you mean?"