Carmella Commands
Carmella did as she was told. Her mother’s poise and tone were exactly as when she had punished Giuseppi. Carmella was puzzled. This world of hers, which once she had thought simple, was growing complex.
Hardly had she left the house for school that afternoon when Maria, nerving herself to the ordeal, went to the telephone. Laboriously she found the name and number in the directory, and for some minutes she practiced the sounds—Beacon four-four-six-eight. She had sent the younger children out to play. For this adventure she wished the house to herself.
Her heart almost failed her after she had lifted the receiver from the hook, but the operator’s voice was unexpectedly friendly.
“Bea—con—four—four—six—eight,” Maria said slowly and painfully.
“Beg pardon. Number, please!” said the pleasant voice.
Maria groaned, for she did not understand the formula. But before she could try again, the voice said, this time in her own language:
“Don’t you wish to give it in Italian?”
Maria sighed with relief. The voice was that of an Italian girl, chosen for the place because she could speak both languages. And through that exchange went many conversations, wholly in the tongue of Italy.
Presently a man’s voice answered the call.
[231]