"We shall love him all our lives." "Answer for yourself, Giulia," Maria said with a laugh, her spirits returning in the bright sunshine and fresh air.

"When Francisco asks for my love, it will be quite soon enough to say what I think about it." "I should never have courage enough to do that, signora.

I know what you would say too well." "What should I say ?" Maria asked.
"You would say I was an impudent boy." Maria laughed.
"I cannot think of you as a boy any longer, Francisco," she said more gravely.

"I have, perhaps, regarded you as a boy till now, though you did save us so bravely before; but you see you are only my own age, and a girl always looks upon a boy of her own age as ever so much younger than she is herself.

Besides, too, you have none of the airs of being a man, which some of my cousins have; and never pay compliments or say pretty things, but seem altogether like a younger brother.