The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-05-29

opened one from the other, SO tnat
there was an excellent opportunity for
| dancing on their parquet floors, and
the evening passed rapidly.
Dora had found Count Casablanca
especially attractive. He had claimed
more than one tete-a-tete. and she
grew more and more uneasy. How diff
ferent these Italian gallants were from
Americans! More subtle and in some
ways more fascinating, with perfectly
| polished manners, and bearing of un-
doubted elegance, yet to her memory
came constantly the picture Of some
one who had no title, no uniform, no
ready flow of witty banter, yet with q
quiet strength. forcefulness and SIM
plicity these men lacked, Cleveland
was far away and its business streets
were far less picturesque than the
boulevards and Corso Of Rome, and
John Biggs was probably at that mo-
ment-allowing for the difference in
working quietly in his bare lit
tie office. John Biggs-the Cavalier
Humberto di Casablanca!-Cleveland-
Rome!
Dora had unconsciously been finger
ing ring beneath her glove, and now
rose suddenly and leaving the Count
with her sister hurried through the
room to join Mrs. Livingston. who was
sitting out in the hall. AS she passed
one of the curtain-hung corners. she
caught a fragment Of conversation
that made her pause. 1t was in Italian,
which she understood easily.
"But, signora," said mans voice,
IT find he is worth million of Amer
lean money, and if it comes about,
your commission will amply reward
you"
THAT will come later" replied Nine.
Tosselli, "but for the present 1 find 1t
SIMPLER to be paid each time. Pay me
the hundred francs now, and you
both will be bid to my dances as usu-
al"
Dora passed quickly out into the
hall, her brain in whirl. Vague sus-
picions, stray snatches of hints, ru-
mors, all these seemed suddenly con-
firmed by what she had just heard.
Her heart was beating fast and the
rooms seemed oppressive Just then
kindly faced man stepped up quick
ly with a cordial greeting and she ex-
claimed
ooh, Arthur Powers, am so glad
you are here tonight! I must see you
minute! Quick, come into this corn
er and answer me. You are friend
in need. Don't ask any questions, but
answer, answer! How does Nine. Tos-
selli know-how does she get all these
officers here at her dances, do they
pay her?"
Powers looked at her moment.
kindly and with a sudden apprecia-
tion of her excitement. Yes he said
quietly, "tcn francs each a night"
why, oh. why?"
"In order that they may meet Amer
lean girls"
"And them"
"And then follow up the acquaint-
ance; find out who they are, and if
they are wealthy, perhaps"
"Yes, yes, but is this really true"
Dora" said Powers. gravely. look
ing straight into her eyes, these Ital-
ians are patricians; they have lineage,
social position and-poverty. Econ
omically speaking, they are non-pro-
fn
uniforms to buy, palaces to keep up.
In these pensions they meet American
girls, unsophisticated in Italian GUS
toms and strict Italian etiquette. Many
of them have wealth; they have been
brought up under SIMPLER social con-
ditions. They are easily fascinated
with the glamour and romance Of an
Italian title. These men are brilliant,
fascinating men of the world. They
know how to make women admire
them. The pension keepers, such as
Nine. Tosselli. recognize the situation.
They are business women. Twenty
officers at ten francs apiece Is no
small item on the credit side Of her
bookkeeping, and possible commits
sion later on, if a marriage is ar
ranged"
"Oh, please don't! Yes. yes, I under
stand! Thank you, Arthur; shall al
ways be grateful to you. Please take
me to Mrs. Livingston"
Cassablanca was trying to make his
way to them, but Dora eluded him and
slipped over to her hostess. Good
nights were being said and Mr.. Morton
had just appeared to drive his daugh-
ters home
ooh, Dora" whispered Estelle, as
they went to put on their wraps, II
have secret. and I must tell you.
Papa has just handed me a cable
message from-can you guess"
Quick" cried Dora. sis it from"
1T is from John Biggs." said Estelle.
HE commissions me to buy you a
bouquet Of Easter flowers and surprise
you with them. The message was de-
! layed in Paris. and should have been
here Friday. I was to get them for
you for Easter, provided thought you
would really like them. Otherwise, I
was to return his money order. Shall
1 get them?"
The girls said good night to Mrs.
Livingston and esconced themselves in
| the carriage. 1t was moonlight
night, and Rome lay about them
wrapped in beauty and mystery.
Shall II" whispered Estelle, as the
carriage rolled down the Via Sistina.
Dora was silent for a moment; she
was again lingering the ring.
"yaS" sha said ot lonp+h