Carmella Commands
“That’s all right!” she said. “Now what do you want to know?”
“How many folks are there in this family over twenty-one?” said Mr. Stephens.
“Not a one only dad,” said Carmella. “And mother,” she added.
Mr. Stephens, laboriously working his way through college, thereupon took from Carmella the necessary facts concerning Tommaso Coletta, contractor, and his wife, Maria, Mrs. Coletta glaring heavily the while.
As the young man went out through the yellow gate she turned to Carmella, saying in Italian, her only language:
“Why were you over to the House, you runaway?”
“They sent for me.”
“What for?”
“To ask questions.”
“What questions?”
“Oh, just questions.”
“How often have I told you not to go over to the House without you ask?”
“Aw, mother, forget it!”
“Forget it, shall I? Forget it? Listen, girl! You mind me or you get hurt. Come with me!”
She laid a heavy hand on Carmella’s arm, starting for the door.
“You lick me again and I forget English!” screamed Carmella.
[31]
