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 Siddereticus whispered in turn, and Fen, looking down at the gondolier from the height of the young man's arms, smiled adorably and said:

"Grazie! Grazie!" at which the delighted boatman clasped his hands and poured forth a torrent of ecstatic jargon until Fen and Siddereticus reached the deck.

"Well, you are late!" said Sally. "Larry's in bed. How'd you like it? What'd you do?"

"Hold thy peace!" said Siddereticus, with a black scowl.

He laid the little boy gently on his bed, but Fen's arms stayed about his neck.

"I—I can't say anything—" Fen whispered. "I—could you understand? I—"

"I understand perfectly, carissimo" said Siddereticus, as he kissed him.