"Signorina, for the love of heaven, give me a few soldi, for I am
starving."

Daphne looked up and was startled, and yet old beggar women were
common enough sights here among the hills. This one had an evil
look, with her cunning, half-shut eyes.

The girl shook her head.

"I have no money with me," she remarked.

"But Signorina, so young, so beautiful, surely she has money with
her." A dirty brown hand came all too close to Daphne's face,
and she sprang to her feet.

"I have spoken," she said severely, giving a little stamp. "I
have none. Now go away."

The whining continued, unintermittent. The old woman came
closer, and her hand touched the girl's skirt. Wrenching herself
away, Daphne found herself in the grasp of two skinny arms, and
an actual physical struggle began. The girl had no time for
fear, and suddenly help came. A firm hand caught the woman's
shoulder, and the victim was free.

"Are you hurt?" asked Apollo anxiously.

She shook her head, smiling.