The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-07-05

that pleasant, neighborly little room.
One sunny afternoon Fanny was
seated in her little sewing-chair, with
its soft, bright chintz cushion, feather
stitching baby's gown. On the cor
ner window-seat beside her sprawled
Gertrude, her head resting on her
hands, her long blond curls falling
over them, making very pretty pic
ture, as, with sparkling eyes, she an
nounced some interesting news.
What do you think, Fanny? The
Grand Duke and Duchess, on their way
to Venice, are going to stop here half
day, or maybe whole day. All the
schools will be dismissed. and every
girl will be dressed in white and strew
flowers from the station to the Town
Hall. And there is to be a reception,
and have been chosen to read an
address of welcome"
"You!" exclaimed Fanny Rotapfel in
surprise. 81 wonder they did not
select one Of the best scholars
Eyes, that would have seemed
right" rejoined Gertrude, indifferently.
''But the principal said that, because
my grandpapa had once saved the life
of the Grand Dukes father on the
battlefield, l ought to read it. That's
the way it happened"
"Are you glad?" asked Fanny.
Eyes, I'm glad, because shall stand
in the very front row, and papa will
get me the handsomest bouquet he can
find in town. Aunt Sophie bought me
pretty white dress this morning, and
l am to have blue ribbons on my hair
and blue SASH
Fanny Rotapfel laid down her sew
ing and, reaching for book on the
shelf behind her, began to turn over
the pages.
How l should love to go to Venice
again!" she said with soft little sigh.
"Again?" exclaimed Gertrude. why,
Fanny Rotapfel, you know very well
you have never been out of this town
in your whole life"
But the little seamstress continued
smilingly:
II have often been there, Gertrude.
l like it better than any place l have
ever visited. My father and I used to
enjoy those trips above all we ever
took together. For some time past I
have been thinking of Venice good
deal, and now that you have put it
into my head I shall start this very
moment, and take you with me, if you
would like to come. I am tired sew
ing, anyhow, and there is no hurry
about this little frock."
She drew another and larger book
from the shelf as she spoke, while
Gertrude abandoned her recumbent
position and cried in a voice of aston
| ishment
why, Fanny Rotapfel, I believe
you're going crazy! You must have
been working too hard. Papa says
hard work often makes people lose
their minds"
The seamstress leaned back in her
chair and laughed merrily, Gertrude
regarding her with establishment.
when and how do you go to Ven
ice?" asked Gertrude after while.
in books" was the reply. "My
father had several large volumes on
Italy. We travelled through the whole,
beautiful land that way, and, as l said
before, I'll be glad to take you along
this time if you want to 60"
Gertrude approached nearer, and
kne1t beside her friend.
What lovely pictures!" she said
"The houses are all built on the water
aren't they?"
Yes, they face the water, but there
are gardens at the back. 1t is a city
of old palaces, with canals between
them, and about four hundred bridges
Are you not familiar with it, Gertrude
Haven't you studied it in your geog
raphy?"
"Oh, yes, some, but | never paiG
much attention. What queer looking
boats, Fanny"
"They are gondolas. People &C
about in them instead of in carriages
They are rowed by men in picturesque
costumes who, as they row, sing mos
beautiful 'barcarolles.'
What is a 'barcarolle, Fanny?"
"A boat or water song. Some O.
them are lovely. My father used t.
play them on his flute. Fancy hov
delightful it would be to go about il
the moonlight, gliding over the darl
water, listening to those enchanting
conCcI0