Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-09-14

machines would put his credit y too
severe test. Accordingly Berter tel
ograpied wholesale order, which
taxed the resources of the manufa ctur-
ers and caused much complaint from
some customers whose work was unac-
countably delayed. The arrangement
made by the courier was that they
were to be taken back at greatly re-
duced price at the end Of six weeks.
The machines were shipped at once.
five to Milan and one to the address Of
the mysterious mnrquise in Florence.
1t WINS with sharp regret that Mon
ty broke into the idyl Of the villa for
the witchery of the place had got into
his blood. But a stern sense or duty,
combined with the fact that the Paris
chauffeurs and machines were due in
Milan on Monday. made him ruthless.
fIe was astonshed that his orders to
dccamp were so meekly obeyed. for
getting that his soliCitOus guests did
not know that worse extravaganza lay
beyond. He took them to Milan by
train and lodged them with some splcn-
dor at the Hotel Cavour. Here he
|
profligate had preceded him. and his
porty host was all Difference and at
tention-all regret too, for monsieur
was lust too late TO hear the wonderful
company Of artists who had been sing
ing at La Scala. The season was but
Just ended. Here was an opportunity
missed. indeed. and Brcwster's vexa-
ton brought out an ironical comment
70 Bcrticr. II ranked. but II Ind its
effect. The courier proved equal 10
the emergency Discovering that the
manager of the company and the prin-
cipa artists wore still in Milan. he
suggested to Brewster that n special
performance would he very difficult to
secure. but might still be possible. His
chief caught at the idea and authorized
him to make every arrangement, re-
serving the entire house for his own
party.
"But the place will look bare" pro-
tested the courier. aghast.
"Fill it with flowers: cover it with
TAPESTRIES" commanded Brewster. Il
nut the affair i'm your hands. and I
trust you TO carr it through in the
right way Show them how it ought to
be done"
Bertier's heart swelled within him at
the Thought Of so glorious an opportu
nifty. His fame he felt. was already
established in Italy 1t became mat
ter OF pride to do the thing handsome
~. and the necessary business arrange
ments called out all his unused re-
sources Of delicacy and diplomacy.
Wher it came to the decoration Of the
opera house he called upon Pettingill
for assistance. and together they super
intended an arrangement which cur
tanned off large part Of the place and
reduced it to livable proportions. With
the flowers and the lights. the tapes
tries and the great faded flags. it be-
came something quite different from
the usual empty theater.
To the CONSERVATION Of the Italians
the work had been rushed. and it was
on the evening after their arrival in
Milan that Brewster conducted his
friends in state to the Scala. 1t was al
most Il triumpha; progress. for he had
generously if urwittingly given the
town the most prlncely sensation in
years. and curiosity was abundant
Mrs. Valentine. who was in the car.
ringe with Monty. wondered openly
why they were attracting so much at
tention.
"They take us for American dukes
and princesses explained Monty.
"They never saw white man before"
Perhaps they expected TIA to ride on
buffaloes " said Mrs. Dan, with Indian
captives in our train"
mo" Subway Smith protested; II
Deem to see disappointment in their
faces. They are looking for crowns and
scepters and shower Of gold coin
Really Monty, you don't play the game
as you should. Why. could give you
points on the potentate act myself-a
milk white steed, few Gathering at
tendants in gorgeous uniforms. n lofty
nod here and there and little me dis
tributng silver in the rear"
Il wonder exclaimed Mrs Dan IF
they don't get tired now and then Of
being potentates. Can't you fancy liv-
Ing in palaces and longing for a thatch
|
Easily" answered Subway. with a
laugh. Haven't we tried it ourselves I!
Two months of living upon nothing but
fatted calves is more than can stand.
We shall lie ready for home for dys-
peptics if you can't slow down bit,
Monty"
Whereupon Mrs. Dan evolved a plan
and promptly began to carry it out by
inviting the crowd to dinner the next
night. Monty protested that they
would be leaving Milan in the after
noon and that this was distinctly his
affair. and he was selfish.
But Mrs. Dan was very sure. my
dear hoy, you can't have things your
own way every minute. In another
month you will be quite spoiled. Any
thing to prevent that. My duty Is
plain. Even if l have to use heroic
measures, you dine with me tomor-
row"
Monty recognized defeat when he
met it and graciously accepted her
very kind invitation. The next mo-
ment they drew up at the opera house
and were ushered in with a Difference
only accorded 10 wealth. The splendor
of the effect was overpowering to
Brewster as we'll as to his bewildered