Signora Monti smiled through her tears.
"Vincenzo! He is a good lad, a very good lad, and I love him; but he does not think of Lilla--he is devoted to the eccellenza."
"I am aware of his devotion," I answered. "Still I believe you will find out soon that he loves your Lilla. At present he says nothing--he fears to offend you and alarm her; but his eyes speak--so do hers. You are a good woman, a good mother; watch them both, you will soon tell whether love is between them or no. And see," here I handed her a sealed envelope, "in this you will find notes to the amount of four thousand francs." She uttered a little cry of amazement. "It is Lilla's dowry, whoever she marries, though I think she will marry Vincenzo. Nay--no thanks, money is of no value to me; and this is the one pleasure I have had for many weary months. Think well of Vincenzo--he is an excellent fellow. And all I ask of you is, that you keep this little dowry a secret till the day of your fair child's espousals."
Before I could prevent her the enthusiastic woman had seized my hand and kissed it. Then she lifted her head with the proud free-born dignity of a Roman matron; her broad bosom heaved, and her strong voice quivered with suppressed emotion.
"I thank you, signor," she said, simply, "for Lilla's sake! Not that my little one needs more than her mother's hands have toiled for, thanks be to the blessed saints who have had us both in their keeping! But this is a special blessing of God sent through your hands, and I should be unworthy of all prosperity were I not grateful. Eccellenza, pardon me, but my eyes are quick to see that you have suffered sorrow. Good actions lighten grief! We will pray for your happiness, Lilla and I, till the last breath leaves our lips. Believe it--the name of our benefactor shall be lifted to the saints night and morning, and who knows but good may come of it!"
I smiled faintly.
"Good will come of it, my excellent signora, though I am all unworthy of your prayers. Rather pray," and I sighed heavily, "for the dead, 'that they may be loosed from their sins.'"
The good woman looked at me with a sort of kindly pity mingled with awe, then murmuring once more her thanks and blessing, she left the room. A few minutes afterward Vincenzo entered. I addressed him cheerfully.