“No,” Maria stopped, breathless from her haste, “that is, not yet, though Roderigo says—­”

“Oh, oh, oh!” Lucia protested.  “Don’t start on what Roderigo says, or we will never learn the news.”

Maria pouted.  “For that I have a good mind not to tell you,” she threatened.

“Then I shall go downstairs myself and find out,” Lucia replied, not one whit disturbed.

“Then I may as well tell you,” Maria laughed, “for the ward hums with it.  The King is coming—­think of it—­he is coming to Cellino to-morrow, and he is to go through the hospital and see all the wounded.  Only fancy, our King!”

“Who told you?” Lucia’s eyes flashed excitedly.  Her loyal little Italian heart beat with eager anticipation.

“Do you suppose I can see him?” she demanded, “but of course, I must, even if I have to hide under the Captain’s bed.  He is sure to stop and speak to my Captain,” she added with pride.

“Oh, Roderigo says that he always stops and speaks to all the wounded and shakes their hands, and is very kind and so sorry always when they are badly hurt.  Roderigo says he has talked to soldiers who have won decorations, and the King himself pins them on—­just think of it!”

Lucia gave a profound sigh.

“If he ever spoke to me,” she said solemnly, “I would die of joy.”

It was several days after Lucia and the Captain had talked in the garden, and Lucia was beginning to grow accustomed to the wonderful idea.  Her dreams were coming true at last, and she had to admit to herself that she always believed that they would.  Captain Riccardi was truly a fairy godfather in her eyes, and she proved her gratitude for his kindness in a hundred little ways a day.  It never seemed to enter her mind that all he was offering, wonderful as it was, could not pay her for her courage in saving his life.

She insisted upon laying all the credit on his shoulders, and with a smile and a shrug the Captain accepted the double share, and determined in his big heart to be worthy of it.

When Lucia and Maria went down to the ward a little later, the patients were indeed humming with the news.  Every face wore a smile of keen joy, and the nurses hurried about to be sure everything was in perfect order.

Lucia was well enough now to go wherever she pleased, and after she had talked for a few minutes with Captain Riccardi, and made sure that Maria had not exaggerated, she went out of the convent with the intention of going into town.  Some of the refugees had returned, but so far there had been no news of Senora Rudini, Nana, or Beppi, and she was growing anxious.

As she walked down the broad steps, she saw Lathrop coming towards her.  Lucia was particularly fond of the big American, and she smiled as she saw him.

“Hello!” he greeted.

Lucia returned the salutation.

“Do you know that the King is coming?” she demanded.