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


to her sister, as she set down
her glass and looked with slightly
bored expression across the brilliant
room.
The Grand Hotel. Rome, had for the
past week been gay with American,
English and German guests. Here
and there an Italian officer with gold
laced coat and curled mustache was
seen. And yet Dora Morton's air was
one Of ennui, and she seemed little
interested in the scene. yes SAID
her younger sister, brightly. translat-
ing the next course on the menu in an
aside to her father. II am tired of
these evening at the hotel. and it will
be relief to have a jolly, informal
American dance again. l am glad
Mrs. Livingston invited us to the pen
sion"
"Is it that mademoiselle will give
me the honor of presenting my friend,
Lieutenant Rospiliotti?"
Dora turned and found Lieutenant
Count Humberto de CaSsablanca bow
ing and greeting them. He was in
full dress, artillery uniform, and his
silver spurs clinked together as his
heels met. Mr.. Morton rose gravely
and shook hands and offered him q
chair. Estelle vivaciously expressed
pleasure at meeting any friend Of the
officers, and shortly after the presen-
tation had been made, and the two
officers had joined the group. Dora
caught her sisters eye and the party
rose and left the dining-room, the
Italian lowering at the side of the girl
and chatting with sparkling ANNA
tion. Mr.. Morton bringing up the rear
and opening his cigar case.
1t was so Fortunate" exclaimed
Lieutenant Rospillotti, as they paused
in the hower-embowered central hall
outside, where the music was and
where many guests were promenading
or sitting at little tables slipping cof-
fee. 'that we, too, are invited to the
pension 1osselli this evening. 1t is
indeed rare privilege 70 meet these
charming American girls here in
Rome; they are SO beautiful. so graci-
Gus, so fascinating. SO full Of bon
esprit, so piquante. Oh! they are tout
a fait ravissante." he added softly to
Estelle, glancing at her eagerly. I'VE
Italians are always captivated by the
fair Americans, who come from far
across the sea to teach us what is
truly witty and admirable" Estelle
laughed delightedly and he continued:
"a secret, mademoiselle! My friend,
the Count, is in love, ali! madly in
love with your sister! Happy man.
he sighed, Ito be in love with an
American"
The other two had reached the end
of the promenade. The Count had
been talking earnestly and Dora looked
somewhat uneasy and restless.
Come, Estelle," she said, 1.-THE car
riage is here; We must be off. Per-
haps we will meet these gentlemen
later," and she bowed coldiy to the
two men, who, after few words
with Mr.. Morton. donned their long
blue cavalier cloaks and departed.
II am so glad to see you BOTH" said
Mrs. Livingston. little later, as the
two girls entered the cozy front hall of
the pension. "We shall have such a
merry evening, with so many Amer
lean girls here and no less than twenty
officers. Think of it, DEAR" and she
gave Dora's arm little pinch, "twen-
ty officers, and each one far more gal
liant than an American knows how to
be. Nine. Tosselli knows them all
we'll and she tells ME they represent
the best blood of Rome. Who knows
but" and she stopped abruptly,
catching sudden expression in the
girls face. Come. 1 must see that
you meet everybody and have good
time"
The pension was a large. pleasant
one, on the Pincian hill, fayorite
winter home for Americans. Nine.
Tosselli was noted for her genial hos
pltality and the frequent informal
dances she would give, at which were
always number Of gay young titled
Romans, who seemed delighted with
the opportunity of meeting the Amer
lean ladies' stopping there. The Nor
tons had been in Rome most of the
winter. The girls had been STUDYING