But no longer is this trade necessary.

We are rich.

Had I a son to inherit your business, a different thought might prevail; but I have only Tato, and a girl cannot be a successful brigand." "Why not ?" cried the old Duchessa, contemptuously.

"It is the girl--always the girl--you make excuses for.

But have I not ruled our domain--I, who am a woman ?" Tato herself answered, in a quiet voice.
"And what have you become, nonna, more than an outcast ?" she enquired.
"What use to you is money, or a power that the world would sneer at, did the world even suspect that you exist?
You are a failure in life, my nonna, and I will not be like you." The Duchessa screamed an epithet and glared at the child as if she would annihilate her; but no fitting words to reply could she find.
Uncle John smiled delightedly.