steadily? And then you are too studious. Why do you do it?”
“If I study, what business is that to you?”
“Why, it means a great deal to us because it makes us look like bad boys before the teacher.”
“Why?”
“Because the scholars who study are always compared with those who do not; and we do not like it. That is all.”
“And what should I do in order to make you all right?”
“You ought to hate school. Both the lessons and the teacher are boys’ greatest enemies.”
“And if I wish to study, what will you do?”
“We will watch for you, and at the first opportunity we will pay you up.”
“You make me laugh,” said the marionette, shaking his head.
“Take care, Pinocchio!” said the largest boy, going up to him and shaking his fist under his nose. “Do not make fun of us. Do not be so proud here because you have no fear of us. We have no fear of you. Remember you are alone. We are seven.”
“Seven, like the mortal sins,” said Pinocchio, with a burst of laughter.
“Did you hear him? He has insulted us all. He has called us the seven mortal sins!”
