For if any man in Mondolfo attempts to hasten your going, he shall reckon with me." I laid a hand for an instant in kindliness and friendliness upon her shoulder.

"Poor little Luisina," said I, sighing.

But she shrank and trembled under my touch.

"Pity me a little, for they will not permit me any friends, and who is friendless is indeed pitiful." And then, whether the phrase touched her, so that her simple little nature was roused and she shook off what self-control she had ever learnt, or whether she felt secure enough in my protection to dare proclaim her mind before them all, she caught my hand, and, stooping, kissed it.
"O Madonnino!" she faltered, and her tears showered upon that hand of mine.

"God reward you your sweet thought for me.