nto Hope House, the community settlement, walked Maria Coletta. Into Miss Sargle’s office, and there she said, slowly and with deference:
“Non parlo Inglesi. To know—I—here.”
“Yes, indeed!” said Miss Sargle, with a settlement house smile. “We can put you in a class next autumn.”
This was in English, for Miss Sargle prided herself on not having to know the language of the country in whose suburbs she dwelt and worked. Maria did not understand the words, but she understood the tone of postponement.
“That be damn!” she cried, and found herself using strange words. “I learn—now—now—now!”
Miss Sargle was annoyed. This was out of routine, and anything out of routine annoys a professional goodwill worker.
“You⸺” she began.
“Madre di Carmella,” said Mrs. Coletta calmly.
Miss Sargle suddenly decided to play safe. In army language, she would seek safety by passing the buck.
[196]
