The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1878-04-07
Wernlng Star and Catholic Messenger
JUVENILE COLUMN.
NINA AND P1ppo, OR THE LOST CHILDREN
OF MOUNT ST. BERNARD.

NINA AND PIPPo, OR THE LOST CHILDREN
OF MOUNT ST. BERNARD.
Ave Maria.
On the brow of hill, overlooking q small
seaport town in the north of Italy, there
once stood and perhaps there still ID stan d.
ing, little church dedicated to "Oor
Blessed Lady of Many Dolors," 1t was the
hour of the early Mass, and many of the
country people were dropping In, one oy
one, in order to assist a. it before they
went on their way to their several employ
ments. These poor Italians were rude, ana
ignorant of many things, but they were
very Ploua; ana .ney never nnr.n;ts 1gmS befors
thew had thanked their Heavenly Father
for Che protection afforded them during the
nIebs, for they would have thought the
remaining hours of the day without a bless
ing, If they had not sanctified the first by
a deyout attendance at the early Mass.
number of those who had entered the
church. They seemed about the came sge,
and, from their resemblance, most probably
were brother and sister. They were close
" followed by man of dark and disa-
greeable countenance who appeared to have
some reason for watching them, for he
never toek his eyes off them as they knelt
together, side by side, telling their beads
with great devotion. AS soon as Macs was
over, the little Italians left the church, and
instead of taking the road to the village,
they walked at QUICK pace further into
the country, but they were soon overtaken
by the disagreeable man,
"God and our Lady be with You this fine
morning and where are you going, my
pretty Nina Z" said he, addressing the little
girl.
and mother sent us to look for some herbs,
which she will make into a cooling drink
for her. And after that we have to gather
flowers for some foreign ladies, who wanted
to learn how We twist them into vases. So
we have long days work before US, and
must bid you good morning, Mr.. Pietro,"
added tho little girl, who did n OF appear TO
like her companion.
SIT is wonderful that foreign ladies eau
not do such things for Themselves" gruEl-
bled Pietro. "Why, there is not q child in
the village who does not know how to
weave flowers into vases of all shapes and
sizes. However, have come to cave you
your mornings work, my little Nina, for l
have met your mother, and gave her some
herbs for Gelsomina's cough. always
carry them about with nae, and they are
better than any you can gather ON these
hills. And as to the ladies, they sent word
they could not be at home to cay, and you
were not to bring the flowers until to NOR
row."
''Indeed I" said the boy, who had not
spoken before "then we need not look for
the flowers this morning, Nina, for they
will have lost all their freshness and
beauty if we keep them at home during the
night, g,.. -,. ,...o. p,,no . r.+n,naa
the man. "Your good mother bade me
tell you 80 and che gave me leave TO take
you to see that ship in the harpor which
you were SO anxious to look at the othel
day;n yy1o,,. Min. ,a+ ns 90 a. once. y cried
Ahn Kind 0f tC
take us with you, Mr.. Pietro, to see thai
wonderfully large ship"
ssNot at ALL" said the man, with a con
descending air. "You are a good boy
Pippo, and deserve to be amused. And you
my little Nina you will ill, come n"i With us
No. said the girl, eeldly, ..1 shall e.
back TO my mother. dare say she wii
want me, for Gelsomina is very sick"
"Oh, Nina, Nina ~ cried the boy, sd
not 60 home; come with us to see this grea
vessel which Mr.. Pietro is going to show us
YOU know shal not be amused if yop aT
not with me.o
stThat is very true, Nina" said the mar
who had looked vexed at Nina's resolution
SIT would be unkind to let Pippo go alone
when you know he never enjoys anythip
without you. How could he when he
your twin brother f-and twins are ncve
happy when apart from each other"
al am sorry to disappoint dear Pippo.
said Nina, hesitatipg in her resolution
"but / fear N other may want me to nurs
little Gelsomina."
'That she does not," said Pietro, bold.
"for your cousin Lucilla has come in to de
from the country, and has promised to sta
and take care of the child, and your mott
or told me she wished yon to 60 with Pjpl
as lit is not likely you will have a chance
enjoying such sight again in hurry"
"WelI, them" replied Nina, taking b.
brothers. hand affectionately in hers, 81 I
not much care about the ship, but
care great deal about pleasing de
Pippo; so We will all go together if "
please, Mr.. Pietro."
"That is well,n said the man, evident
much pleased. They all turned and beg
to descend the hill together, and Nina go
became aa joyous as her brother; but 9
still seemed to have an instructive aversi
to Pietro, and shrank from him wheneV
he attempted to take her hand, or to he
her over the steepest parts Of the road.
The vessel they were going to see was
steamship bound for Genoa, which had
into mort in consenuence of q storm duri