Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1886-01-14


poor Pipino adrift. It was night of sor-
row and tears for Lucia, but she adhered
firmly 10 her purpose. IL was cruel, un.
Just thing that Enrico wished her to do,
and great as was her love for him, she
dared not yield,
The autumn days drew ON. Visitors were
fiocking TO Italy. Without word of fare,
well to Lucia, Enrico left Genzaio and
went down TO Rome.
It was long dreary winter: People
| never remembered 80 much SNOW. There
was much distress about, and Lucia, in
spite of her hard work and hef constant
knitting, began TO despair. The English
lady had never come back, and ii was diff
cult to find food for herself and Pipino.
But Nicolo Pfato never forsook them. He
was always bringing small PRESENTS; osteli=
sibly for Pipino, and Lucia could not be
hngracious 10 the child's benefactor. She
fecollected with Shame and regret how
often she had laughed Mt the big, rotigh
peasant-how she had encouraged Enrico
to make fun of his awkward ways, and how
she had mimicbe4 bis RReessAfull sSpeseb,. And
tween her and starvation.
News sometimes came of Errico. 1t was
q cold winter, and Rome was crowded with
strangers; the models were "coining money"
/ bO LLIlCO bcuJ MOIu. lDub ncNCI u IlCSbdrC
| for her; she was nothing to him now. She
had only the tiny, clinging hands of the
cripple to caress her, and his baby talk to
give comfort for the future. And while
she sat and grieyed in silence, Nicolo, the
warm hearted, awkward peasant, stood
timidly aloof, longing, but not daring, to
cast his love and devotion at her feet.
One evening Pipino was later than usual.
Lucia grew alarmed. What could have
happened TO the child? The twilight grew
deeper, still Pipino did not appear.
Suddenly firm, heavy tread was heard,
and Nicolo stood in the doorway.
"What is it?" cried Lucia. where is
the child?"
"Don't be alarmed" said Nicolo, stand
ing awkwardly on the doorstep, uncertain
whether 10 retreat or advance. "He Is at
my house"
Your house2 Why? Has anything hap
pened?"
at Is nothing serious. His crutch slipped
upon a stone; carried him home"
"But why did you not bring him here?"
It was too dark for her to see the flush of
embarrassment which spread over the hon
est fellows face as he stammered his reply:
at was SO much farther-my house is
bigger-he thought thought"
"Whatever you thought, 1t was foolish,
cried Lucia, stamping her foot impatiently.
"If the child is in your house, how can
] 90 and nurse him?"
"Ah, Signoriha Lucia!' sighed Nicolo,
and then he was silent. Lucia grew em-
barrassed In her turn-neither spoke for a
| few seconds.
"This is folly" exclaimed Lucia. "Why
are we wasting time while the child is
suffering? l must go and fetch him here.
Nicolo felt it was now or never. He
stepped further into the room and seized
her two hands eagerly. Lucia was too
amazed to utter a word.
"Yes, Lucia, he said, '1et us go; but if
| you come to my house, you must never
leave it again. want you thereto stay
with me always-so does Pipino. / will
work for you both. 1 am strong. / can
earn enough for us all. You will not mind
my mother living with us. She loves you
already, and she is not old; she Is no
trouble. You can mind the house together
Lucia was so bewildered by this avalanche
of words that she could not speak. The
/ shy, bashful Nicolo, emboldened by her
silence and the semi darkness, came closer
still, and put one arm around her, holding
fast her other hand.
"Come!" he said gently, drawing her to
him-"Pipino wants you"
"Ah, mol" she said, suddenly rousine
herself with a cry, and pushing Nicolo vio-
lently away "How can you say such
things to me? 1t is only few months
| since since"
"You were betrothed to Enrico. know;
do not think forget it. / know, too, am
| n Toor, rough, ugly fellow by the side of
/ him, but will take care of the. child"
Lucia sank painting into n chair. Hei
old love for Enrico, her affection for Pipino,
her gratitude 10 Nicolo, all fought and
struggled in her heart. Then she started
up again.
"Why do you keep me talking here and
the child is suffering? Is it bad accident
at is not dangerous, and my mother is
with him. Give me an answer, Lucia.
love you with my whole heart; will you
marry mep"
The girl burst into a passion of tears
She knew what Nicolo said was true. Even
when she had laughed and scoffed at him
the most she had always known he loved
her. And yet-and yet her foolish heart
clung to Enrico.
"Nicolo," she cried, and at the sound OF
his name the honest fellow thrilled all
"Nicolo, forgive me. l can not for
get Enrico."
"Ahl" came like gasp from the breast
4
was audible but Lucia's sobs.
II know" she said pleadingly-"I know
1 am foolish. He is perhaps careless and
idle; but if he were to return and say to me
Lucia mia, forgive me and marry me, why
then. Nicolo-"
"He will never say so," interrupted
Nicolo harshly. yesterday he married
Maddalena."
"Maddalenal" painted Lucia, hot husi
tingling her whole body. 1t was the name
of the worst girl in Genzano, who had gone
to Rome that winter.
"Tell me that again." she said quietly
"Enrico has married Maddalena?"
EYES," answered Nicolo, very quietly
also.
A wave Of outraged love and indignation
swept over Lucia, and overwhelmed for.
ever in its depths the memory of Enrico.
81 did not speak before" said Nicolo, in
a broken voice. II was afraid / should
have no chance, but have loved you as
long as Enrico. / have toiled and shaved
TO get home for you, and will work fol
you all my life. Come-Pipino wants
you"
She rose with an hysterical laugh, wrap
ped shawl round her, and went out will
Nicolo into the twilight.
IL was n grave and solemn walk; both
realized what was implied in it,
Nicolos mother met them at the door
and welcomed Lucia with a silent embrace
the two young people went on to where
PIpino lay upon the bed.
He greeted them with shout of rap.
ture.
II told you so, he said. "I knew she
would come if Pipino wanted her."
He threw an arm round each of theil
necks, and drew their faces down 10 his anC