The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-01-13

The girl opened it slowly, waiting for
the mans answer; but he brushed
past her and out into the vestibule
Then he turned with q wild, hunted
look.
Forgive me- he muttered, half
roughly. 81 am rude. You are kind
Blanca come not any more she
comes not any more since Francesca
is dead"
Then he turned and ran down the
steps, He grasped the handle of the
piano. his eyes full. his heart heavy,
and played and played. Twice was
the repertoire exhausted, and then a
footman came and told him the child
must sleep. M
For nearly a week he played daily,
and always paid visit to the wee
sufferer, so wan and listless, as Fran
cesca had been at the last. He was
living that time over again, and the
strain was telling on him.
On the sixth day he drew his piano
to the curb opposite the side garden.
He could not stand in his accustomed
place, for carriage and two motor
cars were in front Of the house He
began to play, watching the house
closely, as usual. AS the chorus Of
"Old Gray Bonnet" died away some
body came to the library windows and
lowered the shades. Then, here and
there, all over the great house was
the same thing done. Giovanni stood
as if turned to stone. Then he drop
ped to the curbstone and sat there,
bowed down, his head in his hands.
The little governess saw him there
and went out to him. Tears were in
her eyes, and she spoke very gently.
THE baby is dead she said in
English Then she remembered and
spoke in italian. "The baby is dead
You are sorry, know. We did every
nearly crazy with grief. The doctors
came from New York. Her father is
nearly crazy with grief. The doctors
are with him now. It is very sad
But you helped SO much with your
music. She loved it so, and it made
her happy when you came back You
helped her more than we could"
She paused, but the man made no
reply.
II must go in" she said. But first
will you tell me where you liver" I
should like to go to see Blanca. T
want to be friends with you for No
nos sake-and Francesca's.'
Giovanni rose to his feet. He swayed
a little, and he did not lift his head
as he spoke.
Our house is not fit for a lady to
come" he said jerkily. 1--WE live in
Fourteen street alley. But Blanca
will be glad to see you. And she
likes well to hear the Italian"
He paused, adjusted the heavy strap
about him, and then added with
simple dignity, Il am sorry the baby
died She was like Francesca. 1t
makes no difference, the rich or the
poor. 1t is all the same to the good
God. hope the father will get well" "
He lifted his hat and went slowly
away.
Blanca was settling the front, room
| to rights when he reached home. He
pushed open the door and entered, a
bulky parcel in his arms.
why, Giovanni" she said in sur
prise. you come home so early!
What have you there?"
Without answering, he took off the
wrappings and disclosed a figure OF
the Virgin. painfully crude and I'M
beautiful. 10
ooh" cried the woman. .you have
brought another. am so glad How
beautiful she ISL And Blanca knelt
devoutly and crossed herself.
Giovanni glanced shamefacedly at
the empty shrine on the wall.
1T was a terrible thing to do" he
said, brokenly, "but the good God will
forgive me. was pad, but / am
better now"
He set the image reverently upon
the shelf and knelt beside Bianca.-
/ !, Watson Hyde in STANDARD and Times.