------- the other a shortened army tunic gathered in loose folds

One day we came upon them in a windy and deserted square -------

They were in many ways quite artless.

Everything is so difficult now, food so scarce and dear, we could not keep going unless we charged a fee.

Jacopo who barely came up to the door handle of the car, was nearly 12.

------- before I could recover breath my two passengers had leaped from the car.

Yet, gazing at the two little figures, we felt ourselves strangely attracted.

My interest was again provoked by their remarkable demeanour.

My interest was again provoked by their remarkable demeanour.

Nicola’s smile was steady and engaging.

Nicola was glaring at his younger brother in vexation.

I found a grilled side-entrance and determinedly rang the bell.

For months they had barely kept themselves alive in a sort of shelter they built with their own hands amidst the rubble.

Yet their devotion had touched me deeply,

Nicola and Jacopo could be relied upon to satisfy our needs.

We watched for a few moments; then as trade slackened we went over.

They brought her here and persuaded us to take her into the hospital.

But directed by Jacopo, we drew up at a large re-roofed villa.

Nicola’s smile was steady and engaging.