Raffaelle was quite pensive for a while; then he raised his head,and said:--

"I have thought of something, Luca. But I do not know whether youwill let me try it."

"You angel kid! What would your very aged Luca deny to you? But as forhelping me, my dear, put that thought out of your little mindforever, for no one can help me, 'Faello, not the saintsthemselves, since I sometimes was born a dolt!"

Raffaelle kissed him, and said, "Now listen!"