Page:Collodi - The Story of a Puppet, translation Murray, 1892.djvu/244

 'Satisfy my curiosity, dear papa,' said Pinocchio, throwing his arms round his neck and covering him with kisses; 'how can this sudden change be accounted for?'

'This sudden change in our home is all your doing,' answered Geppetto.

'How my doing?'

'Because when boys who have behaved badly turn over a new leaf and become good, they have the power of bringing content and happiness to their families.'

'And where has the old wooden Pinocchio hidden himself?'

'There he is,' answered Geppetto, and he pointed to a big puppet leaning against a chair, with its head on one side, its arms dangling, and its legs so crossed and bent that it was really a miracle that it remained standing.

Pinocchio turned and looked at it; and after he had looked at it for a short time, he said to himself with great complacency:

'How ridiculous I was when I was a puppet! and how glad I am that I have become a well-behaved little boy! . . .'