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Another

"Long straw"

The children finished The room was quiet

Two straws remained Bodoni felt his heart ache in him "Now," he whispered "Maria"

She drew

"The short straw," she said

"Ah," sighed Lorenzo, half happy, half sad "Maoes to Mars"

Bodoni tried to sratulations I will buy your ticket today"

"Wait, Fiorello--"

"You can leave next week," he murmured

She saw the sad eyes of her children upon her, with the se noses She returned the straly to her husband "I cannot go to Mars"

"But why not?"

"I will be busy with another child"

"What!"

She would not look at him "It wouldn't do for me to travel in my condition"