The age-herald., 1897-12-25
BEPPO AND
 >ea>... HARKAWAY

E. W. Townsend in New York Journal. His name Giuseppe, called more briefly
 Beppo.'
 Beppo sailed away from these shores on Saturdays Cunarder, taking with him that fairly good American citizen and most amiable gentleman, Freddie Harkaway.
 It was in Venice, nearly two years ago, that Freddie had to dress himself one morning, because Watkins, his English valet, had disappeared, together with 92O0 in British gold and trunk full of new clothes belonging to Freddie
 said that Freddie had to dress himself, which Is to say he confronted what seemed the positive necessity of doing so for the first time in his life, and 1t affected him so peculiarly that he threw himself Dack into bed and projected into the further most corridors of the old palace wherein he was domicled such copious torrents or not wholly unprofane lamentations as brought to his side-Beppo! Now, Beppo was the house valet and had been useful to Freddie in the matter of conveying cer- tain confidential notes to-but why go into that? Freddie had noted and commended Beppo for his great discretion, his excel lent English and his master touch on the guitar Finding Freddie in tears of rage, Beppo, who had once been valet to a mi lord, promptly brought whisky and soda, ana prOCeeQeu to uTeSS l1e HiO4lintu lti- eigner in excellent taste and judgment. brought him coffee and rolls, ordered his gondola, and thereby with no word of en- gagement, installed himself his valet.
 Before Freddie went to Paris they quar- relied over the question of scarf pins, Beppo electng to wear the ones Fred die preferred, and Beppo discharged, but he packed Freddie up and took him to Paris without word of reproach, for which Freddie showed his gratitude by never again questioning Beppo's taste in jewelry. At the Hotel Continental in Paris Beppo showed what a genius can accomplish. for he actually arranged that Freddie could every morning have a real American bath-"le grand bain chaud''- without the interference of an army of red waistcoated hotel valets and general state of mysteries throughout the hotel. Not that they did not quarrel, for Freddie was not yet in complete subjugation.
 Comparative peace reigned until the day of the memorable dinner Freddie gave to a few American friends in his private din- ing room at the Continental.
 On such occasions Beppo's custom was to dress in highly picturesque gondolier's suit. all white excepting a brave broad band or sash of vivid scarlet. the same, by the way. which Freddie's scarf pins adorned. Freddie told Beppo that on this occasion he should wear conventional dress, as his American friends already looked upon as crank, and for them to see his servant tricked forth in comic opera attire would be certain to send back home the report that he was clear case of freak
 Beppo replied reasonably. and without anger, that the dress was that worn by his fathers for many generations in their an cient and honorable calling of gondoliers and that as it was no concern of his that all Americans were donkeys. he should dress as he damned pleased. Freddie dis charged him then with all the emphasis and exactness of language he could com mand, and even pretended to be glad when Beppo pretended to pack up his things Guests came; I was one of them. Fred die helped us off with our coats and fussed about in a most annoying manner, while Beppo looked on in silent dignity. We told Freddie to leave our coats and hats alone and give us whatever substitute he had to offer for a cocktail, and he be- gan hopelessly fumbling about the side board. Nothing came of that, or, rather, everything except a drink, and we made sarcastic remarks. Some one asked for a cigarette and Freddie, flushed and mad. looked for one. At last Beppo's proud heart relented-he disappeared. reappeared in his gondoller costume mixed up drinks, gave us cigarettes, strengthened out our