Page:Collodi - The Story of a Puppet, translation Murray, 1892.djvu/192

 'Oh, what a delightful life!' said Pinocchio, whenever by chance he met Candlewick.

'See, then, if I was not right?' replied the other. 'And to think that you did not want to come! To think that you had taken it into your head to return home to your Fairy, and to lose your time in studying! . . . If you are at this moment free from the bother of books and school, you must acknowledge that you owe it to me, to my advice and to my persuasions. It is only friends who know how to render such great services.'

'It is true, Candlewick! If I am now a really happy boy, it is all your doing. But do you know what the master used to say when he talked to me of you? He always said to me: "Do not associate with that rascal Candlewick, for he is a bad companion, and will only lead you into mischief! . . ."'

'Poor master!' replied the other, shaking his head. 'I know only too well that he disliked me, and amused himself by calumniating me; but I am generous and I forgive him!'

'Noble soul!' said Pinocchio, embracing his friend affectionately, and kissing him between the eyes.

This delightful life had gone on for five months. The days had been entirely spent in play and amusement, without a thought