Page:Poor Cecco - 1925.djvu/115

Rh

Instantly the music stopped. Every one crowded round. “What is it?” they cried. “What is it?” Mrs. Chipmunk put her hand to her heart, and Bulka left off turning somersaults and pushed forward to see what had happened.

As for Jensina, when the stone fell at her feet, she stood for a moment perfectly still, as though turned to a statue. Now, at sight of the writing on the paper, she became deathly pale.

“She is fainting!” some one cried. “Bring her water!”

But Jensina controlled herself, and with a despairing look flung her arms round the necks of Poor Cecco and Bulka, who happened to be nearest to her.

“Alas, my friends!” she sobbed. “Alas! It is I who have brought all this trouble upon you!”