Page:Brazilian short stories.djvu/59

 “But that one is worth twelve contos," warned the husband.

"But it is far better than that shanty. Very well arranged. Only I don't like the windowless room near the pantry; it's too dark.”

“We could put in a sky-light."

"The yard, too, needs to be made over; instead of the chicken enclosure …"

Until far into the night, while sleep did not come, they remodeled the house, transforming it into the loveliest dwelling in town. The couple were giving the last touches, and beginning to get sleepy when Zico knocked at the door.

“Three contos are not enough, father, I need five. There are the arrangements that I had not thought of, the license and the rental and other little things …"

Between two yawns the father generously granted six.

And Zilda? She floated along on the high seas of a fairy tale.

Let her float on.

Finally the day arrived for the amiable buyer to leave. Trancoso bid goodbye. He was sorry that he could not extend the delightful stay, but important affairs called him back. A rich man's life is not as easy as it seems … As to the business, it was all but closed; he would give a definite answer within the week.

Trancoso left carrying a parcel of eggs,—he had highly appreciated a breed of chickens raised there; and a little bag of yams,—a dainty of which he was very fond.

He also took with him a fine present