Stineli opened her eyes wide in astonishment, for she had not even dreamed of such a possibility. How delightful it would be if she were allowed to go with Rico to that beautiful place! The best part of it, of course, would be to have him with her or near her again, and how she would love Silvio for sending Rico back to her! Thoughts like these kept surging through her brain while the father was considering the matter. "It would, no doubt, be a good thing for Stineli," he said. "I should like to have her get out among people and learn their ways; but there is no use to talk about it, for she can't be spared. We could let Trudt go just as well as not." "Yes," agreed the mother; "I couldn't possibly get along without Stineli. I am willing that Trudt should go if she wants to." "Goody! goody! I am going and I am glad," and Trudt clapped her hands and danced about. Stineli's face had clouded, but she made no protest, preferring to have Rico say what was needful. "It so happens," said Rico, calmly, "that Silvio wants Stineli and no one else. If Trudt went down there, he would only send her away, so that is out of the question. Mrs. Menotti told me to tell you that if Stineli got along well with Silvio, she could send home two dollars and a half every month. I am just as sure that Stineli will get along with Silvio as if I had already seen them together." Stineli's father pushed his chair away from the table and put on his cap,--a habit of his whenever he wished to think seriously about anything. The money was an important factor to him. How hard he had to work to earn a dollar, and here was an opportunity to get two dollars and a half every month without the least effort on his part! It was not long before he hung up his cap and said: "She can go if that is the case. I suppose one of the others can learn to do things here." Stineli's face beamed, but the mother sighed as she realized what it would mean to her. In a moment the father put his cap on again. "I had forgotten," he said, "that Stineli has not been confirmed; she will have to wait until after that." "But, father," exclaimed Stineli, "I was not planning to be confirmed for two years. I can go now and come back when the two years are over." This plan was at last approved, and the parents consoled themselves by thinking that they could then keep her at home if they wished. "Just as soon as she gets back, I am going," said Trudt. They all laughed at this, while Rico and Stineli exchanged glances and were happy. "Now, Stineli, I want to tell you something," said the father. "I know that pandemonium will reign here until you two are gone, so I say the sooner it is accomplished the better; then we can have peace and quiet." It was accordingly decided that they should leave the following Monday.