, 1905-12-20

tested the courier, aghaSt.
"Fill it with flowers; cover it with
tapestries commanded Brewster. Il
put the affair in your hands, and |
trust you to carry 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 a mat
ter of pride to do the thing handsome
ly, and the necessary business arrange
ments called out all his unused re-
sources of delicacy and diplomacy.
When 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 q large part of the place II
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 a triumphal progress, for he had
generously if unwittingly given the
town the most princely sensation in
years, and curiosity was abundant.
Mrs. Valentine, who was in the car
riage with Monty, wondered openly
why they We're attracting so much at
tention.
"They take us for American dukes
and princesses," explained Monty.
"'They never saw a white man before"
perhaps they expected us to ride OIL
buffaloes,' said Mrs. Dan, with Indian
captives in our train"
No. subway Smith protested; IT
Seem 10 see disappointment in their
faces. They are looking for crowns and
scepters and Il shower of gold coin.
Really, Monty, you don't play the game
as you should. Why, l could give you
points on the potentate act myself-a
TX white steed, a few Gathering at
l5.tants in gorgeous uniforms, a lofty
nd here and there and little me dis
tributing 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 liy-
ing in palaces and longing for a thatch-
ed %cottage?"
Easily" answered Subway, with a
laugh. Haven't we tried it ourselves?
Two months of living upon nothing but
fatted calves is more than l can stand.
W. shall be ready for a home for dys-
peptics if you can't slow down u 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 hat 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 boy, 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 1 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 to wealth. The splendor
of the effect was overpowering to
Brewster as well as to his bewildered
guests. Aladdin, it seemed, had fairly
outdone himself. The wonder of it
was so complete that it was some time
before they could settle down to the
opera, which was AIDA" given with
an enthusiasm that only Italians can
compass.
During the last intermission Brew
ster and Peggy were walking in the
foyer. They had rarely spoken since
the day of the ride, but Monty noticed
with happiness that she had IN several
occasions avoided Pettingill.
81 thought we had given up fairy
land when we left the lakes, but l be-
lieve you carry it with YOU" she said.
1.-THE trouble with this" Monty re-
piled, sis that there are too many peo-
pie about. My f%airyland is to be just
a little different"
"Your fairyland, Monty, will be built
of gold and paved with silver. You
will sit all day cutting coupons in an
office of alabaster."
Peggy, do you, too, think me vul-