The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1911-06-25

say is this'-he Strengthened a trif1e
more, If possible-'1-am-an
can citizen. Hooray for American
Giuseppe waited a second or two for
the Sennas to exclaim on his auspi-
cious declaration. then suddenly re
allied that he was enjoying his dis
finction alone. They uttered not an
approving or a congratulatory word.
They stared each at the other with
lowering faces; then Paula sprang to
her feet, her big. round. dark eyes
flashing.
.sItaliaI Italia foreverr' she flung
back at him with wild gesture, while
the look on her face stung Giuseppe to
the heart.
&Surprised and disappointed, he let
As arm fall slowly to bis side. His
Jaw dropped, and his body relaxed I'M
ill he bore the semblance of a very
crestfaIlen American. He shrugged
his shoulders and turned his sobered
face toward Paula. Then you don't
like America r he said in voice very
soft, yet trimming with disappoint-
ment.
II hate it! Oh, | am so homesick!"
she cried, sinking into chair beside
the table She flung her arms out
before her, and, leaning forward, she
commenced to sob. Her father and
mother, vouchsafing consoling word
and giving her loving pat or two as
they went, left the room to join their
neighbors on the already crowded
doorsteps below, evidently expecting
Giuseppe to comfort the girl after the
manner of an approved fance.
''Paula," Giuseppe said, going over
to her and touching her lightly on the
shoulder-'paula. never mind. You
have been here only two weeks. You
win like It better after awhile. Look
up and be happy. | have come to
take you for the boat ride. SO dry
your tears. little one. We viii have
the gala day together"
Paula SIENNA shook bis hand from
her shoulder petulantly. She raised
her head and looked at him defiantly.
You" she said in voice bitter with
disapproyaI-"you an American for all
timer
Forever he repeated resolutely.
aWhyT' she demanded.
Because" be answered her calm
~, america has liberated me from
the bondage of poverty. It has given
me work and good wages, enough SO
can make little home for you and
me. America offers me opportunities
unlimited merely for the effort. Here
In this beautiful country, Paula, / can
work hard and make you great LADY
and myself great man."
s'But this is the country only to
make money in," she argued. That's
all 1t is good FOR. When You save
thousand dollars we could go back to
italy and Twelve" she finished. lift
ing her beautiful eyes rapturously
heavenward as though seeing vision
of the happy, irresponsible sunny
land she had so shortly ago quilted
4sAnd leave America, good America,
with all the beautiful possibilities!
exclaimed Giuseppe In CONSERVATION.
sMuIberry street isn't all of America.
Some day we will have money and get
out of this dirty, poor place some day
coon, Paula Then we win go to the
beautiful parts It is, oh, SO fine,
away from Mulberry streetr
Unconsciously he was fondiing the
tiny American flag which adorned the
lapel OF his coat. Paula was watching
him suriIy, whimsicaliy. She disliked
liz see him wearing the bit Of red,
white and blue. She would rather It
were red, white and green, Italia's
emblem The longer she regarded 1t
The more 1t dispieased her until IN
sudden dash of temper she reached
ont & little brown hand. snatched It
from its place Of honor and crumpled
Il destructiyely
Ii an instant the hot blood leaped
ID Csluseppe's face. His arms went