It looks like we don't have any summaries for this title yet. Be the first to contribute.
Learn more- Mariana and her little brother, Pietro, were thrown out by the heartless landlord because they could not pay their rent. That night they slept in a barrel with only a friendless dog as a companion. In the morning, their new friend went prospecting for breakfast, and was just getting away from Mrs. Murphy's with some meat when she caught sight of him. She was just about to hit the criminal with a broom when little Mariana threw herself in front of the dog. When Mrs. Murphy heard Mariana's story, she took pity on the destitute children and invited them in to have a bit. She discussed the situation with Father O'Brien, who advised that they be sent to the orphanage. Mariana and Pietro were not used to much in the way of luxury and they made themselves happy in the home. Some months later the usual semi-annual entertainment was in progress, and Mariana appeared in a dance number. Among the guests was old Peter Wren, for many years ballet master at the Casino. He was delighted with the natural grace of the child, and declared her to be a born dancer. He told the sisters that he would like to take the training of Mariana in hand, and it was arranged that the little girl should take advantage of his offer. She consented on account of the prospect of earning money for Pietro's education. For six months she worked as she had never worked before, and the little family enjoyed happiness. One day Peter came home and told Mariana that he had lost his position because he was getting too old, and that Signor Kippel, a foreigner, is his successor. Mariana rushed to the theater to confirm the news. There she overheard the manager and Kippel talking of the necessity of finding a good child-dancer for a leading role. Mariana pleaded so hard with the two men that they allowed her to dance for them. They were struck by her skill and grace, and engaged her on the spot for the role. The child told the men that she could not accept the offer unless they engaged her old teacher, and they agreed to hire him. The teacher was Peter, and there never had been such a happy family as the one in the little home that night, when Peter Wren took his violin and he and the two children danced for joy.
Moving Picture World, October 27, 1917
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content