She knocked at the door.

Her father turned suddenly round, and faced the entrance, still hiding the crucifix by his figure.
"Who is it ?" he asked in a tone that sounded as though he were startled.
"Lucia," answered the girl timidly.

"May I come in, papa ?" "Wait a minute," he answered.

She drew back, and, still watching him, saw that he laid the cross down upon the table, and covered it with a towel--the same one in which it had been wrapped.
"Come in," he called out "What is the matter ?" "I only came for a moment, papa," answered Lucia, entering the room and glancing about her as she came forward.

"Mamma sent me in to ask you about the chickens--there are chickens for dinner--she wanted to know whether you would like them roasted or boiled with rice." "Roasted," replied Marzio, taking up a chisel and pretending to be busy.
"It is Gianbattista who likes them boiled." "Thank you, I will go home and tell her.