"If it is not obligatory, we would prefer, with the permission
of your Excellency, to save the money."

"But--but then you will have to walk!" cried Peter.

"But if it is not obligatory to take the train, we would pray
your Excellency's permission to save the money. We should like
to save the money, to give it to the father. The father is
very poor. Fifty lire is so much,"

This time it was Peter who looked for counsel to the Duchessa.

Her eyes, still bright with tears, responded, "Let them do as
they will."

"No, it is not obligatory--it is only recommended," he said to
the boy, with a smile that he could n't help. "Do as you will.
But if I were you, I should spare my poor little feet."

"Mille grazie, Eccellenze," the boy said, with a final sweep of
his tattered hat. He ran back to his sister; and next moment
they were walking resolutely on, westward, "into the great red
light."


The Duchessa and Peter were silent for a while, looking after
them.

They dwindled to dots in the distance, and then, where the road