Carmella Commands
More wisdom than even the trained Miss Sargle of Hope House had ever learned was in this change of front. Mrs. Barrington, patroness of Americanization, would never comprehend it.
Father Carbone could have taught them. Or genial Pat Cunningham, who patrolled the region of Hope House in a blue uniform, and represented law and order to that part of Little Italy.
Unfortunately for the cause, it never occurred to Hope House workers to take lessons from those best qualified to teach.
Nicolo’s mother came to visit Maria, and she was weeping.
“Alas me!” she said. “My Nicolo has left and forgotten me.”
“Where has he gone?”
“I do not know. After he was put on probation Mike told him to leave town. He has gone, but he has not written.”
“He will come back,” said Maria soothingly.
“But if he comes back, he cares not for me,” the woman sobbed. “He will not mind. He has not minded me since his father died.”
“And you did not make him?” asked Maria.
“How could I? He spoke in this new talk, and never could I make him answer in ‘the’ language when he did not want to.”
“Did you speak English to him?”
“Santo Dio! How could I? I do not know it.”
[259]
