A FRIEND IS FOUND Cornelli had not appeared at Martha's cottage for quite a number of days, and so Martha was filled with grief and anxiety.

There were many reasons for this.

First of all, she loved the child as if she had been her own and missed her daily visits terribly.

She also knew that there was something the matter with Cornelli and that this was the reason why she did not come.

From the time the child was small, she had run over to her old friend every single day and had told her everything.
Martha was also sorry for her guest's sake that Cornelli stayed away.
She had told Dino how merry and bright the child could be and how he would enjoy her as a daily companion.