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PINOCCHIO 183
" See, then, if I was not right? " replied the
other. " And to think that you did not want
to come! To think that you had taken it into
your head to return home to your Fairy, and to
lose your time in studying! ... If you are at
this moment free from the bother of books and
school, you must acknowledge that you owe it
to me, to my advice and to my persuasions. It
is only friends who know how to render such
great services.”
“It is true, Candlewick! If I am now a
really happy boy, it is all your doing. But de
you know what the master used to say when
he talked to me of you? He always said to
me: " Do not associate with that rascal Candle¬
wick, for he is a bad companion, and will only
lead you into mischief!...’”
" Poor master!” replied the other, shaking
his head. "I know only too well that he dis¬
liked me, and amused himself by calumniating
me; but I am generous and [ forgive him!”
" Noble soul!” said Pinocchio, embracing
his friend and kissing him between the eyes.
This delightful life had gone on for five
months. The days had been entirely spent in
play and amusement, without a thought of
books or school, when one morning Pinocchio
awoke to a most disagreeable surprise that put
him into a very bad humour.