Mrs. Menotti seated herself, saying, "I have not had such help as this
in many a year; but, come now, Stineli: sit down, and eat with us."

And they sat and chatted and ate together, as if they were old friends
who had always been accustomed to such free intercourse.

Rico began to give an account of the journey after they had finished
eating, and Stineli meanwhile quietly replaced every thing in the
cupboard; for she knew well enough, without being told, how such work
should be done. Then she seated herself by Silvio's bedside, and made
shadow pictures on the wall with her supple fingers; and Silvio laughed
aloud, and called the names,--"A hare! A beast with horns! A spider with
long legs!"

So sped away the first evening quickly and merrily, and they all were
taken by surprise when it struck ten o'clock. Rico rose, for he knew he
must be going; but a dark cloud came over his countenance.

He said shortly, "Good-night," and went away. But the girl ran after
him; and in the garden she took his hand, saying, "Now you must not be
sad, Rico, it _is_ so beautiful here. I cannot tell you how lovely I
find it, nor how happy I am; and I owe it all, all to you. And you will
come again to-morrow, and every day, will you not, Rico?"

"Yes," he said; and looked at Stineli with a most melancholy expression.
"Yes; and every evening, when it is most beautiful, I must be off and
away, because I belong to nobody."

"Oh! do not think in that way, Rico," said his friend encouragingly.
"Have we not always belonged to each other, and have not I often rejoiced