"It was Rosalba's idea. Angela said. "I taught her how to read and she said, 'You should teach the children too, and anyone else who wishes to learn. You never know who might send you a letter.'"

She looked down at the baby, who had finished suckling and was now fast asleep. "Here, hold her a minute. I will get more wine. I see," she said, looking down the valley, "that they are coming." And she thrust the baby into Mike's arms, who clutched her in a vice-like grip, terrified ...