The Forrest City times., 1905-01-27
stranger who had admitted her appeared

feeling of disappointment at the man words. Surely, she thought, that air of birth and breeding belonged to some one of a higher station. He made her think of Titian's famous Portrait of Gentleman" which she had long ad- mired in the Pitt Gallery.
 The proprietor does not live here?" she asked.
 The count is absent" replied her companion, opening the door and stand ing aside for her to enter
 As the signora went from one beauti- full room to another she was more and more delighted. The combined ele- gance and simplicity of the whole charmed her.
 "The people who lived here,' she thought. must be different from others. The very steward shares the olden grace of manners that is so much part of the building"
 She encouraged him 10 talk, watching him with keen interest No one of her acquaintanees could speak with more charming wit or ease, ard as they paused in the rectangular library he referred naturally and with intimate knowledge to the books upon the shelves.
 The signora listened attentiyely. Then feeling as if she must awake some- how from the dream that seemed to hold her she said:
 Il am more than satisfied with the villa. Will you please tell me what the counts price is?''
 The steward looked troubled.
 The last one who looked at it was told the price was $5o0.000. But he was common, coarse sort of man who talked about putting in steam heating arrangement and electric lights. The count would not have sold the place to him under any consideration
 The signora looked amused.
 Your count is proud gentleman, she said. Somewhat original, is he not?"
 Yes. I do not deny 1t" said the young man. But people who are original are not always wrong. Born here on the estate, which the Soragnas have owned for centuries, attached to every corner and stone of the house, each room and each bit of furniture is a part of his heart
 But. excuse me, why then"
 Il know what you would say Why does the count wish to sell his chateau? Because he is very poor. He has a very modest income, which. with the sale Of the villa, would suffice for all his needs. He has wavered between sentiment and gains How could he sell his home to a fat old lady with innumerab!e l cages of parrots? He must find some one who would be worthy of his beauti ful home
 The sigLora touched keenly by the pathetic voice said warmly:
 Poor Count Seragna,9 Then she added. perpleXed: T should never dare present myself before the count for ap- proval Old maids, like myself, are surely barred"
 The stewared looked at her in sur prise. It was his turn to wonder at her words. Surely so distinguished woman would not have remained un- married. But he said, quietly:
 After a certain number of Receptions the count has discovered plan which works very we'll He himself acts as a guide for the visitors to the villa
 The signora did not wait for him to answer Turning with questioning eyes she cried:
 Then you are-'
 The Count Soragna, at your service
 If it was not dream it was certainly like one The signora whose chief sin was not timidity, found herself for the first time in her Fife perhaps distinctly embarrassed. She must have shown it, for the count hastened to say:
 T beg your parden, a thousand Of them; but there was no other method of determining the character of the as pirants tom my villa. l love il so truly that l could not give it to anyone wAe would not love it as l did"
 So you committed the perfidy of springine an examination upon me un- prepared?a said the signora, dryly. And co you think you know me now?" She smiled ironically.
 Not at all.s said the count, bending Satlantly to DICK up glove she had let fall. To know a woman is always difficult; to affirm that you know her is imprudent. In my case, 1 merely bow in admiration.
 Bravo. Count Soragnai" and the signora held out her hand, smiling this time with the smile of woman who has found her master
 May l take down the sign For Sale'?" asked the count as the lady made her way to the door.
 The signora pretended to be busy fastening her glove and did not answer.
 May take down the sign?" He re- peated the question humbly.
 What are the eonditions?' but the signora did not lift her eyes from the refractory glove
 There was a moments silence. Then the count said softly:
 "Only one 1t is that the future owner of the villa will consent to become the i Countess Soragna' Whatever the signora may have ex- ~l,