"Gasparino," he said, meekly. "I want you to look after me. But don't be
unkind to me. I'm older than you, I know, but I feel awfully young here,
and I do want to have a little fun without doing any harm to anybody, or
getting any harm myself. One thing I promise you, that I'll always trust
you and tell you what I'm up to. There! Have you quite forgiven me now?"
Gaspare's face became radiant. He felt that he had done his duty, and
that he was now properly respected by one whom he looked up to and of
whom he was not merely the servant, but also the lawful guardian.
They went up to the cottage singing in the morning sunshine.