Arizona republican., 1912-05-12
(Continued from yesterday).

They streamed out after her. and stood watching her slender figure fly ing down the avenue to Saint Pat riCk'S. a Then they returned to the stove and talked long and earnestly She must be married-it was duty to see to it. Plainly too much admira- tion had turned her head. It was de- cided to bring matters to a climax GOrgiO was her guardian; she must be married in a week 1t was all settled when they went home at last. after Maddelena had returned and gone an grily to her own room.
 But she rose early in the morning and slipped out alone. The avenue was crowded with laborers going to their work, and her heart sank at the thought of Giovanni's bright face six weeks before. She walked fast hurry ing along State Street to Chapel and coming at last to a stand before the Five and Ten Cent Store The two big ShOw-wind0ws were hung with val entines. The Italian girl stood looking at them, her hands thrust into her pockets. the beguiling red handker- chief framing her charming face The valentines were bewidering; some were frilled with paper lace. some were tied with ribbons, some were GOV cred with frosted designs It was al first difficult to choose. Then she dis covered a large silver heart thrust through with an arrow She looked at ii a long time People passed and repassed. the bells began to ring The shop doors opened at last. and Madde lena went in timidly and. purchasing the silver heart for ten cents, hid it under her jacket
 She was late with her papers and missed getting herself any breakfast. but she found time 10 write on the back of the heart in her pretty flowing hand:
 My heart was like this when you were hurt: my heart hurts always like this now for YOU"
 She suspended her pen-dared she? She blushed and added: "Caro caris- SimO mic"
 He would nerer know who wrote il,
 She wrapped fl ID again and hid ft in the bottom of EmiIias little basket Giovanni would have his valentine,
 Emilia set out early. She had mended some clothes for Giovanni and they were folded in the basket with a bunch of sour grapes from Mona Lisa. At the corner some one logged her elbow and the basket was nearly overturned. As she rearranged it she found Maddelcnas packet and united f. marvelling much. The silver heart jlGzod out it's story and poor Emilia rembled. Had she not told Giovanni hat Maddelena would never marry cripple? She had meant well. but per haps she was a wicked woman This hen was why the girl wept and prayed. And the others were deter mined to marry her off against her will. the poor child
 Emilia considered deeply. with fine delicacy and sentiment. all the way tO the hospital IT was a shame hat Giovanni should not know. poy- 2rino, She wiped a tear. To think hat Maddeena had loved him all the while and they had proposed Silvestri! Emilia shuddered. Silvestri was lit- le bald already and quite old, and iiovanni was so young and handsome )cfore- Plainly she must help hem! But would Mona Lisa forgive Ter? She would say, for a pretty girl ike Maddelena, with a dot. 10 marry ripple, Ii was certainly hard about he leg. Emilia hesitated, then she remembered the silver heart in the )ottom of the basket. Had she not llso loved once? Si, si, It was too sad!
 The sun shone in the ward when Emilia crept in, tiptoe, behind the Sister Giovanni was sitting up in lis white cot the covering hid his lreadful loss, and he was still hand come. pale, wan dark-eyed. and so ;orrowfuI Emilia's heart beat guilt Iy. she blushed as she met the Sisters ,alm eye. She put the basket on hair beside the cot.
 II mended your clothes, Clio ami" she said.
 He turned the clothes over and here lay the silver heart. Emilia 'eddened.
 'MaddeIena packed the basket" she aid.
 He turned white to the lips. She vas frightened.
 Emilia" he said slowly, Emilia. yill-will she come to see me?'
 The sun still shone in the ward but Giovanni looked steadily at the door. Presently there was the glint of a scarlet handkerchief. the glow of ovely eyes. and Maddelena dropped on her knees beside the bed. For a long moment Giovanni said nothing, then ais hand closed on hers.
 "Maddelena." he whispered. I'm poor cripple You told Emilia you would never marry one. l wouldn't ask u-but-Maddelen you did love me-before?"
 She laid her soft cheek on his hand, sobbing. "Si, Giovanni. before-and now-more, much mOre!'