Omaha daily bee., 1915-09-05

Josephine Rossi, black-eyed, rosy
checked Italian girl, lived with her mother
and brother on the east side in New
York. She made her living by weaving
baskets and sometimes selling punches of
flowers which she cultivated in window
boxes in the huge tenement where she
lived. The revenue she derived from her.
efforts was small, but never entirely
failed ss her sweet manner and merry
smile won her many friends and patrons
and her invalid mother was not in actual
want. Bernardo. her brother, was not
strong and could work only at intervals
One hot summers day when Josephine
returned from work the mother said
plaintively. "oh, daughter, how l wish 1
might go to the country; feel that fresh
/ air and the sight of trees and flowers
would give me life and strength"
Josephine suggested to her brother,
Lets send her out OF the city for a little
while; it won't cost much and perhaps
we can make little more money. Mrs.
Braton. who lives next door, said she
would pay me for taking care Of little
Mary while she stays at the store"
yes, indeed, Wen send her away"
Bernardo agreed. 81 think can get a
job next week."
I JOoCpilAp was VI ~ ANNAiA1Ab NAoROoA1CAA
and when Richard Darlington. superin-
tendent of a large Pennsylvania coal
mine, who had been her childhood play
mate ana sweetheart, came cast on p
vacation she did not encourage his atten-
tions, as she felt there was too great a
difference In their social positions.
Two weeks after he reached the city a
strike was declared in the Pennsylvania
coal mines and a demand was made by
the company for men to replace the strik-
ers. Bernardo had been unsuccessful in
finding work at home. so went with Rich
ard, who was obliged to return east on
account OF the strike
The days which followed were fraught
with anxiety for the mother and daugh-
ter. Josephine greatly enjoyed teaching
class of girls in the mission church
near her home and was working hard to
prepare them for the Corpus Christi cele-
---'s on the following Sunday The strain
Of extra work and worry over Bernardo
among the strikers began TO tell upon the
girl; she grew pale and wan and her
voice, usually clear and full In the choir
had a pathetic tremolc.
AS she started to church Sunday morn
ing she picked up the Daily Journal
Fearing to be late she carried the paper
with her, but was too early, 50 sat down
/ on the church steps and opened II. In
] elarlng headlines were the words. Big
! fight between strikers and men the COM
pany Imported Some killed and many
injured Running her eyes hastily down
tho column she saw her brothers name
among the fatally wounded. Everything
whirled uround her and for a few minutes
all turned black before her eyes; then the
church bell above her head began to peal
forth it's chimes and the sound Of the
children assembling through the vestry
door for the procession recalled her to the
present She rose and walked into the
church, but fell In a d.sconsolate hear
across the threshold. murmuring, Bern
ardo. Bernardo. oh It can't be true"
The girls rushed to her assistance and
presently she got up and mechanically
did her part In arranging her class. but
all during the service. like a refrain. ra1
the thought. How shall l tell mother'
The shock win kin her"
When the services were over and she
started 20 leave the church. It was q
comfort TO see Richard harrington wait
ing for her ON the steps. She looked
into his face as II TO say. Tell me al
about IT,"
1 Seeing by her expression sue "oN ei-'
bad news. Richard drew her hand through
his arm and said. The report was eA
aggerated. Joserhine; Bernardo Wa
wounded. but not fatally. Now, throusl
dear old Mother Jones, who has SO maei
influence with the miners. the strike
ended and Bernardo wll soon be anle I.
come home. So don't worry any more.
''Oh, what relief-and how grateful
am 10 YOU for telling me-" and she move,
closer to him As Richard felt her cling
ing 70 his arm. ne resolved never to leaV'
her 20 stand alone again
They walked slowly and silently aion'
the street and in g small park near he
home he led her 70 a seat under tree
''Rest hero awhile and grow more caln
before you see your mother"
After few minutes she said. Tn $