She saw Lippo trudging on behind with an extraordinarily full school-bag on his back.
"Can you see what Lippo is carrying ?" she asked her brother.
The lid of the bag was thrust open and a thick unwieldy object which did not fit into it was protruding.
"What is he carrying along, I wonder?
Can you see what it is ?" "I can only see a round object wrapped up in a gray paper," her brother replied.

"I am sure it must be something harmless.

I have to say that Lippo is a wonderfully obedient and good boy and full of the best sense.
As soon as one says the right word to him, he comes 'round.

Why did you wait so long though, Maxa, before saying it to him ?" was Uncle Philip's rather reproachful question.

"Why did you run away and leave him crying and moaning?
He needed your help.