It was a cold, clear, moonlight night, and the two children hurried through the streets, chatting merrily over their errand.
They passed an old woman carrying a scaldino under her shawl. "We shall need a scaldino ourselves," Edith said, "to warm our fingers after we have dipped them in the cold water."
A scaldino is a little brazier for holding coals of fire. The Italians carry one about with them in winter, and when they sit down they hold it in their laps or put it on the floor at their feet.
When they reached the fountain Edith stood still a moment, looking at the water. "I have had such a good time in this historic old land that I shall always be a good Italian," she said; "but I shall be a better American also."
"That is right," said Rafael. "And I shall read the foreign papers to see if you become a famous woman."
"I don't care so much about being famous as you men do," she answered.
"But I shall read the foreign news to see what the great patriot, Rafael Valla, is doing for his country, and perhaps, some day, your good king may send you to the United States as ambassador from Italy.
"Let us wish it," she added, and dipped her hand into the fountain.
"To Rafael Valla, the ambassador," she said with a smile, and drank the clear, cold water.
"To the Signorina, my friend," said Rafael. "I wish her happiness."
Tears sprang to Edith's eyes, and she held out her hand quickly for the half-penny. "Over your left shoulder, remember," she said, as she tossed the coin into the water.
"Over my left shoulder," Rafael repeated, and added earnestly, "We shall see Rome and the king again."