Now it had all come to nothing.
In the meantime Dino and Martha had become firm friends, and the old woman was very eager to make everything cosy and comfortable for her polite and friendly housemate.

After his daily walks and after he had done his school work conscientiously, Dino loved always to sit down beside Martha.

Then she would talk to him and tell him many things which Dino loved to hear.
She generally told about Cornelli's father and mother, for Martha had known the latter as a small child.

Before long, though, she would always begin to talk about Cornelli, for she never tired of that subject.

She assured Dino that she had never known a more bright or amusing little girl.