Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1901-04-27
THE PENSION TOSSELLI.

liant room.
The Grand hotel had for the past week
been gay with American. English and
German guests. 1t was Easter Monday,
and the famous Roman festival had as
usual attracted visitors of all nationali-
cent banquet room, Its elaborate decora-
tons, innumerable little tables decked
with flowers, delicate napery and glass
ware. presented Il fascinating picture.
Liyeried servants moved noiselessly about
among the guests, who were in full even
ing dress and mostly of cosmopolitan
stamp. Here and there an Italian officer
with gold-laced coat and curled mustache
was seen. And yet Dora MortOns air
was one of ennui, and she seemed little
interested in the scene.
Yes" said her younger sister, brightly,
translating the, next conrse on the menu
in an aside to her father Il am tired of
these evenings at the hotel, and it will be
a relief to have a jolly, informal Ameri-
can dance again. | am glad Mrs. Liv-
ingston invited us 10 the pension"
rs it that mademoiselle will give me
the honor Of presenting my friend, Lieut..
ROspillotti?"
Dora turned and found Lieut. Count
Humberto de Casablanca bowling 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 a chair and a glass of
wine. EStelle vivaciously expressed
pleasure at meeting any friends of the
officers, and shortly after the presenta-
ton had been made, and the two of
fcers had Joined the group, Dora caught
her sisters eye and the party rose and
left the dining room. the Italian hover
ing at the side of the girl and chatting
with sparkling animation. Mr.. Morton
hy-in mn hp
cigar case.
1T was so fortunate" exclaimed Lieut..
Rospillotti, as they paused in the flower
embowered central hall outside, where
the music was and where many guests
were promenading or sitting at little ia
bles slipping coffee that we, too, are
invited to the pension Tosseli this even
ing. 1t is indeed a rare privilege to
meet these charming American girls here
in Rome; they are so beautiful. so Sra-
cious, so fascinating. SO full of bon
esprit. so p1uante. Oh. tney are tout
a fait ravissante," he added softly to
Estelle, glancing at her eagerly I'VE
Italians are always captiyated by the
fair Americans. who come from far
across the sea to teach us what is truly
witty and admirable Estelle laughed
deghtedly and he continued.
a secret, mademolselle! My friend,
the count, is in love, al. ;nadiy IN love
sighed, ito be in love with an Ameri-
csan;"
The other two had reached the end of
the promenade. The count had been
talking earnestly and Dora looked some
what uneasy and restless.
Come, Estelle,' she said. 1.-The car
riage is here; we must he off Perhaps
we will meet these gentlemen LATER and
she bowed coldy to the two men, who,
after Il few words with Mr.. Morton,
dOnned their long blue cavalier cloaks
and departed.
Il am so glad to see YOU both" said
Mrs. Livingston little later. as the two
pension We shall have such a merry
evening, with so many American girls
here and 10 less than twenty officers.
Think of ii, DEAR" and she gave Dora's
arm little pinch, twenty officers, ana
each one far more gallant than an
american knows now to be. Nine.
Tosseii knows them all we'll and she
tells me they represent the best blood of
Rome. Who knows but -" and she
stopped abruptly, catching a sudden eX-
preston in the girls face. Come,
must see that You meet everybody and
have a good time"
The pension was large pleasant one
on the Pincian hill, a favorite winter
home for Americans. Nine. ToSselli was
noted for her genial hospitality and the
frequent Informal dances she would give.
ut which were always Il number of gay
young titled Romans, who seemed delight
cd with the opportunity of meeting the
American ladies stopping there. The
Mortons had been in Rome most of the
winter. The girls had been studying the
galleries and the language. enjoying the
opera. and now that spring had fairly
commenced this was the last dance Of
the. season prior to the general after Eas-
ter exodus. Every one was talking this
evening of the great ceremonies of the
day before. The little drawing rooms of
the pension opened one from the other.
SO that there was an excellent opportunity
for dancing on their parquet floors, and
the evening passed rapidly.
Dora had found Count Casablanca espe-
cally attentive He had claimed more
than one teto-a-tete. amt she grew more
and more uneasy. How different these
Italian SallantS were from Americans,
More subtle and in some ways more faS-
einating. with perfectly polished man
ners, and bearing of undoubted elegance
yet to her memory came constantly the
picture of someone who had no title. no
uniform. no ready flow of witty banter
yet with a quiet strength forcefulneSs
and simplicity these men lacked. Cleve-
land WAS far away and its business
streets were far less picturesque than the
houlevards and CorSo Of Rome, and John
blSGS was lFobauiN AT tndL m0meuI-3i-
lowing for the difference in time work
ing quietly in his bare little office John
BiggS-the Cavalier Iumberto iii Casa
blanca Clcyeland-Rome,
Dora had unconSciou>ly been lingering
a 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 cur
tain-hung corners, she caugh; fragment
Of conversation tha5 made her pause. Ii
was in Italian, which She understood
easily.
'But. signorl." said mans voice. Il
find he j. worth a million of American
money. and if il comes about. YOUR COM
mission Will andy reward You"
That vii. co.ue later" replied Nine
TosseiG. bat fer the present I find it
simpler 10 be pald each time. Pay ne
the hundred francs now. and yNu both
will be bid 10 my dances as usual.
Dora passed quickly our into the hall.
her brain in a whirl. Vague suspicious.
stray snatches Of hints. rumorS. all these
seemed suddenly confirmed by what she
nod inst heard Her heart was heating