The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1878-01-18
Nicolo's Friend.


"Nicolo, Nicolo, where are you 2
Where have you hiddep yourself 2 Come
here want you"
1t was very bright-eyed little girl who
spoke these words-under bright sky,
toe-the sunny sky of Italy.
But Nicolo, boy some years older
than herself, looked far from bright or
happy he was lying full length on the
ground in the sunlight but his face
wos overcast and melancholy.
clay fellow p said little Gianetta,
laughingly, as she came up to him; 81
am out of breath calling to you. Come
along; want you. 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 it ?" asked Gianetta. "Why
can't you Gomez Is it the father again p
Nicolo sighed. He was a cheerful,
happy tempered boy by nature. And
yet Giane.ta often found him looking
very sad.
Tiresome, bad man - broke forth
the little girl but no. Stop; will say
no wicked things of him, for he is your
be they bad or good, Father Clement
says. But tell me, Nicolo, what has he
said or done p
cit 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 an excuse for idleness. Listen, little
one. make my plans now. 1 cannot
bear this life. must do as he wishes
learn trade or somewhat, and give up
my violin"
"That you never shall do" said CHA.
META, earnestly. You think me
naughty, Nicolo; but 1 am not. 1 only
see it palmer than you or your father
God has given you this talent-this great
one-and you shall not hide it, you shall
not bury it" This little girls face was
so eager that Nicolo smiled at her.
But she went on, excitedly:
"Get up this moment, Nicolo, anC
come in with me. We will play some
what together. Your father never scoldl
you when am by. And you shall no
give up your music.
The boy, half in earnest, and hal
amused, let the child drag him into
little house near, put his violin into his
arms, and then seated herself at the pi
ano, while in the distance sat Nicolo'
father, gloomily watching the pair.
"Begin," said Gianetta, land tell M
when play wrongly"
But for such mere child, Gianett
played with marvellous correctness. A
for Nicolo, his countenance cleared witt
every sound that he drew from his be
loved violin; he forgot his gloomy father
he thought no longer of his dull, sa,
home. He was wrapped in that wonder
full content which the possession of som
great talent gives.
With the last chord the brightness
faded, however, out of his face.
"Take me home now" said the littl
girl.
Home was only across the street; bu
Gianetta wanted another word in prlvat
with her friend.
"Nicolo," she said, gravely, "neve
speak more of giving up the music; it
not to be. am sorry for you, my poo
boy; know it is hard life, but"
"But will make o name for myse
at last" said Nicolo, catching her enth,
siasm; I" and then, perhaps, my fathe
will have faith in me. Till then wi
be brave, little one; 30 good night"
It was hard life for Nicolo-his mt
Their dead, his father with no care for h
sons one great passion-music. Man
time the boys spirit failed, and he eve
grew to doubt his own powers under th
cold glance and cruel taunts which dali
met him.
He was sitting one day, feeling eve
sadder than ual-discontented eve
with the sounds he drew from his instr
ment-when Gianetta's mother stood
the doorway.
"The child is ILL.," she said hurriedly-
every ill, and calls ever for yol
Come"
So Nicolo went, and, though tosse
with fever, his little friend smiled O
him. There was, however, longin
look in her eyes; but her parched Liz
could not form a word.