Arizona republican., 1912-05-11

Sne only tied crimson handkerchief over her dark head, her face. framed in 1t, appeared as pathetic and beau tiful as young Mater Dolorosa. All the way she was praying for Giovanni Giovanni, with whom she had been angry but an hour since, because he had not passed her window!
 At the hospital they were told that he was unconscious, in danger of los ing both legs, if he lived at all. and they were not allowed to see him.
 Maddelena took it in silence. like a stunning blow. She went back quietly with Emilia, so quietly that the good woman wondered. The girl made no further sign, but she went alone to Saint Patrick's and offered two candles for Giovanni's legs Then she wept all night and in the morning opened her little shop. Would Giovanni ask for her? Did he wish her we'll enough for that? The doubt tore the girls heart and made her silent She had seen Gemma Miserendino also inquir- ing at the hospital. Maddelena had as yet, no public right to weep for him, but the Madonna knew she prayed, and prayed harder than Gem ma, too! But what if Giovanni pre- ferred Gemma's prayers to hers? Maddelena dusted her little shop and kept her quivering lips firm. Emilia found her sympathy so coldly received e ID I rated her for taking the girl to the hospital, and poor Emilia, between the two, was reduced to tears.
 The news from the hospital was bad; Giovanni would surely lose one leg. He had been struck while rescu- ing little girl who had stumbled on the track. Giovanni was indeed a hero.
 Ma chG!" said Mona Lisa. "'tis pity. There is nothing for a cripple but to sell shOestrings on the Green!"
 That afternoon Silvestri came. He was courting, for he wore his black Sunday suit, a starched collar and tall silk hat His thin hair was beau tifully curled and scented Emilia
 
 molasses. and she and Mona Lisa watched. But in five minutes Sil- vestri emerged. looking slightly pale. and wandered aimlessly away The chaperons found Maddelena with red cheeks and tight lips
 "Wen?" said Mona Lisa.
 What happened. cara mia?" panted Emilia.
 The girl gave them a scornful look He bought a penny's worth of Jolly pops!"
 "Poverino He lacked courage" said Emilia My husband used to say he would never have got it out; it was like a chestnut in his throat, and he choked had to slap him on the back so. and he says to me: Emilia. cara mia, if you would always he there to slap my back. eh? Ma che, after that it was easy!"
 "Madonna' If it is necessary I-I myself will slap Silvestri's back" said Mona Lisa.
 It looked as if this expedient would be necessary, for Silvestri hung round the shop, enamoured but speech less Meanwhile the weeks passed. and by the first of February Madde- lena was famous. She had already re- fused many offers. Neither wealth. nor station, nor diamond rings tempted the beauty. But she went faithfully every morning to Saint Patrick's and prayed: vet she received no message from the hospital
 For nearly five weeks Giovanni lay on his bed of pain. One leg would be saved, but the strong body was maimed for life. The young man mourned with passion, he ate his heart out in secret. turning a stern face on his nurse and his occasional visitors. Emilia came sometimes with jelly, or a little fruit. and Giovanni's eyes fol- lowed her wistfully. but for long time he asked no questions.
 Finally. one day: And Maddelena? She is well?"
 "Si, si. and refuses all her lovers. One Is distracted with her,'
 The wistful dark eyes glowed, then they darkened with pain. ''I wish her well" he said.
 Emilia was touched. You also, Clio vanni?"
 An, l m only WOTjnISSS SdCh Di broken bones!" he cried with great bit terness. Emilia she wouldn't look at me now. eh?"
 The good woman hesitated. then she told the truth. 'I heard her say once she would never marry a cripple
 Giovanni turned his face to the wall.
 Emilia went away weeping.
 The next week. on the thirteenth Of February. Silvastri spoke 10 Mona Lisa for Maddelena. He proposed to com bine the barber shop and newsstand. The scheme had points-M0na Lisa saw them. That evening there was a solemn conclave in Maddeiena's shop. Gorgio was present. Emilia Caterina and Rizzio Mona Lisa stated the case.
 Maddelena's mind came back from the hospital and Gemma and the two votive candles with a jump. Mona Lisa was setting the day.
 "Maddelena must have some clothes" she said severely to the awed assembly But the first of March what day of the week does it fall on, Gorgio?"
 "I will not marry Silvestri!' said Maddeleua suddenly.
 Ma che," cried Mona Lisa. stunned
 "Cara mia" remnnstrafpd Emilia