The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1919-07-11
Bianca's
i. Fortune
By AGNES c. BROCAN
Copyright. 1915. Western Newspaper Union.)

ment. gazing with Somber eyes at the
cheerless scene about her. Every
where in the dingy gardens of houses
all built alike children swarmed-wan,
uncared for children. 1t was not
strange that they should be wan.
breathing constantly the smoky at
mosphere of the factories vicinity,
neither had their working mothers
much time to devote to their welfare.
J And as Blanca sat, she was picturing
in her minds eye the glory Of the vine
clad hills of her native land, the dark
ed there. Blanca saw. too, the one
roOmed cottage nesting among all the
fragrant green, which had been her
home.
What was it to tend growing things
all day in Il garden? The payment that
labor brought, was all too small. When
grandmother should go-for grand
mother had already lived more years
than Blanca could count-well, then
she would cross the great ocean with
llIC iiIpilNN WHICH, Sllc GU CdtIl way "
that purpose. and there, where gold
might be found for the asking, Blanca
would make for herself a fortune.
When she came back to the sunny land,
for always there was the thought of
coming back, it would be as a great
lady, with jewels shining in her hair.
SO it happened that Blanca passed
the tiny house over to a friend who
wished it, and with just a sigh Of re-
greet for the grandmother who now
was gone, the girl began the long jour
ney.
In her cot at night the weary girl
dreamed Of that ~vine-covered hillside
and the white-curtained home which
now seemed like heaven.
IF she could only get back" tears
Of longing filed her eyes,, and the pain
that was yearning grew and deepened
round her heart. And then n day,
when the first breath of autumn fell
gratefully or Tenement square, Blanca,
seated upon the lowest porch step,
heard two men discussing an adver-
tisement in the evening paper.
'"AVhat you know about it," said one,
"that's Tonic, who wants grape pick
ers on his farm. Just a few years
ago, Tonic went away and worked the
place; he like it, he make money an
buy it. Now, Tonic he hire people
himself.
"'Girls to pick grapes read the man,
earn good money"
"Girls?" she asked, "would that
mean me? Could l go there?-earn
money, too? Or is it Italy, this TONES
farm, an must one cross the ocean,
The factory men laughed.
mo, Blanca n replied, "just a
little way out on the train, mebbe for
ty mile. Tell YOU" he glanced at the
girls white face, you so, Blanca.
That be good thing for you. l go with
you. buy ticket, put you on car"
And glowing, her breath coming fast
at the mere thought Of green fields and
blue skies, Blanca Went The chat
tering girls on the train perpleNed her,
She felt Very shabby beside their flow
er-trimmed hats and bright dresses.
When the tall young man of the
vineyard drove down to the country
station to meet his helpers, his keen
gaze singled out at nee the neatly
clad girl with her sorrow-appealing
eyes.
You n,ees,' he asked, lever pick the
grapes before"
And Bianca's eyes filled with home
sick ears.
Back there only. in the home coun-
try" she replied.
Successful Tonic helped her to the
seat beside his WI in the long
wagon.
Il know how you feel" he said as
they rode along.
Gratefully she looked up, attracted
by the sympathy in his voice.
with me it was like that too" said
Tonic. l came to the factory. /
couldn't stay. Wanted to see the sun
shining over green hills. Wanted sheep
there. too" he laughed. IAN ever
goats. Now, l got EN- all; | work
hard, I own farm. An it's better, you'll
see, better than Italy"
When he took Blanca to the house
where a woman waited to serve the
helpers, the girl threw out her arms
with a sudden joyous gesture.
"Oh. this is good" she cried, ut is
home. again."
The next morning she found herself
singing as she caught the ripe grapes
from their vines.
"YOa are doin' fine"
It was Tonie's voice. At last he had
come, and stood looking down upon
her. Some shyness in the mans bear,
ing brought to the girl new confidence
IN herself.
81 love it ALL" she said and drew in
breaths Of the clear air.
Even the little house hat is my
homer asked Tonic eagerly.
Blanca nodded. IF it had white
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