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PINOCCHIO 43
when it is real poverty, is understood by every¬
body—even by boys.
‘Well, patience!” exclaimed Geppetto, all
at once rising to his feet, and putting on his
old fustian coat, all patched and darned, he ran
out of the house.
He returned shortly, holding in his hand a
Spelling-book for Pinocchio, but the old coat
was gone. The poor man was in his shirt
sleeves, and out of doors it was snowing.
“ And the coat, papa? ”
“TI have sold it.”
- Why did you sell it?”
" Because I found it too hot.”
Pinocchio understood this answer in an
instant, and unable to restrain the impulse of
his good heart he sprang up, and throwing his
arms round Geppetto’s neck he began kissing
him again and again.