Until she did that, she could not know what she had, nor where she should begin her good work.

That was absolutely necessary, and of course, thought she, it presented no difficulty at all.

Possibly her own indolence about it, and her distaste for going into the question of money and accounts, was a fault with which she should have reproached herself, because she might have begun to do good sooner, had she chosen.

But she did not think of that.

She would begin with the new year.
As though a good destiny had anticipated her desire, the first call for her help came suddenly, on the day after the last recorded conversation between Gregorio and Matilde.
It was still early in the morning when Elettra brought her a letter, bearing the postmark of the city, and addressed in one of those small, clear handwritings which seem naturally to belong to scholars and students.