Oldal 258 [258]
234 PINOCCHIO
found old Geppetto quite well, lively, and in
good humour, just as he had been formerly.
He had already resumed his trade of wood¬
carving, and he was designing a beautiful frame
of leaves, flowers, and the heads of animals.
‘Satisfy my curiosity, dear papa,’ said
Pinocchio, throwing his arms round his neck
and covering him with kisses; " how can this
sudden change be accounted for? ”
- "This sudden change in our home 1s all your
doing,” answered Geppetto.
“ How my doing? "
“Because when boys who have behaved
badly turn over a new leaf and become good,
they have the power of bringing content and
happiness to their families.”
" And where has the old wooden Pinocchio
hidden himself? ”
“There he is,” answered Geppetto, and he
pointed to a big puppet leaning against a chair,
with its head on one side, its arms dangling,
and its legs so crossed and bent that it was
really a miracle that it remained standing.
Pinocchio turned and looked at it; and after
he had looked at it for a short time, he said to
himself with great complacency:
‘* How ridiculous I was when I was a pup¬
pet! and how glad I am that I have become a
well-behaved little boy? .. .”