Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1872-06-12
Miscellany
FROM Mtrry's Museum.
NIcOlO's Little Friend.

here; | want you"
1t was very bright-eyed little girl
who spoke these wOrds-under a bright
sky too, the sky of Italy.
But Nieolo, boy some years older
than herself, looked far from bright or
happy; he was lying fnll length on the
ground in the sunlight; but his face was
overcast aud melancholy.
Lazy fellow! !" said little Gianetta,
laughingly, as she came up to him, 81 am
out Of breath calling to YOU. Come
along; / want yop. Mother has done
with me, and we can make some music
together"
But Nicolo shook his head, though he
smiled at his little friend.
"What is III" asked Giauetta. why
can't you Gomez Is it the father again ?"
Nicolo sighed. He was a cheerful,
happy-tempered boy by nature. And
yet Gianetta often found him looking very
sad.
"Tiresome, bad man !" broke forth the
little girl, "He has been scoldiDg you
again but no. Stop, will say no wick
ed things Of him, for he is your father,
and we must honor our parents, be they
bad or good, father Clement says. But
tell me, Nicolo, what has he said or done ?
at is nothing, " said Nicolo, rousing
himself at length-'nothing, my little
Gianetta but it wearies me. 1t is the
old tale he likes not my music-thinks
it is IN excuse for idleness. Listen, lit
tie one. | make my plans now. can
not bear this life. must do as he wish
es. learn trade or somewhat, and give
up my violin"
That you never shall do" said Gia.
META, earnestly. You think me naugh.
ty, Nicolo, but am not. only see il
palmer than you, or your father. God
has given you this talent, this great one,
and you shall not hide it, you shall moi
bury it," The little girls face was SC
eager that Nicolo smiled at her.
But she went on, more excitedly:- -
Get up this moment, Nicclo, and
come in with me. We will play some
what together. Your father never scolds
you when am by. And you shall not
give up your music"
The boy. half in earnest aud hall
amused, let the child drag him into 0
little house near, put his violin into his
arms, and then seated herself at the pi
ano, while in the distance sat Nicolo's
father, gloomily watching the pair.
Begin" said Gianetta, "and tell mt
when play wrongly"
But for such mere child Gianetta
played with marvellous correctness. A,
for Nicolo. his countenance cleared with
every sound that he drew from his beloved
violin; he no longer thought of his dull
sad home he forgot his gloomy father
He was wrapped in that wonderful con
tent which the possession of some grea
talent gives.
With the last chord the brightness ia
ded out of his face.
Take me home now," said the letter
little girl. Home was only across tho
street, but Gianetta wanted another wore
in private with her friend.
"Nicolo," she said gravely, "novel
speak more of giving up the music; it i,
not to be lam sorry for you, my Lool
boy; | know il is hard life, but"
but | will make name for mysel
at last" SAID Nicolo catching her enthu
siasm. "and then perhaps my father vii
have faith in me. Till then | will bt
brave, little one so goodnight"
1t soas hard life for Nicolo-his
mother dead, his father with no care fol
his sons one great passion-music
Many time the boys spirit failed, anc
he even grew to doubt his own powers
under the cold glance and cruel taunt,
which he daily met.
He was sitting one day, feeling ever
sa1der than usual, ,-discontented ever
with the sounds he drew from his instru
ment, when Gianetta's mother stood il
the doorway.
'.The child is i'll she said hurriedly
"very i'll, and calls ever for you. Come.
So Nicolo went, and, though tossed
with fever, his little friend smiled on him
There was, however, longing look ii
her eyes, but her parched lips could moi
form word
"Is it the violin y asked Nicolo softly
She smiled again, and he fetched hi,
treasure.
"a sleeping song?" he questioned.
The little face grew calm and soft al
his question. Swectly the music foated
through the room, stiIling the little suf
ferer aud comforting the watchers. Wher
he had finished, Gianetta stretched forth
her arms.