Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1905-12-22

Instantly he had dtsmountCd and ards
ut the girls side.
made by the courier was that they
were to be taken back Mt 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 marQuiSe in Florence.
1t was with sharp regret that Mon
ty broke into the idyl Of the villa, for
the witcnery Of the place had got into
his blood. But a stern sense Of duty,
combined with the fact that the Paris
chauffeurs and machines were due in
Milan on Monday, made him ruthless.
He was astonished that his orders to
decamp 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 splen-
dor at the Hotel Cavour. Here he
found that the fame Of the princely
profligate had preceded him, and his
pOrtly host was all Difference and at
tention-all regret, too. for monsieur
was just 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 Brewster's vexa-
ton brought out an irOnical comment
to Bertier. 1t ranked. but 1t had its
effect The courier proved equal to
the emergency. Discovering that the
manager Of the company and the prin-
cipal artists were still in Milan, he
suggested to Brewster that special
performance would be 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 I'LL look bare" pro-
tested the courier. aghast.
Fiji 1t with flowers; cover 1t with
tapestries" commanded Brewster. Il
put the affair In your hands, and 1
trust you to carry 1t through In the
right way. Show them how 1t 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 q 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 1t came to the decoration Of the
opera house he called upon Pettingill
for assistance, and together they super
intended an arrangement which cur
tanned of large part Of the place and
reduced 1t to livable proportions. With
the flowers and the lights, the tapes
tries and the great faded hags. 1t be-
came something quite different from
the usual empty theater.
To the CONSERVATION Of the Italians,
the work had been rushed. and 1t was
on the evening after their arrival In
Milan that Brewster conducted his
friends In state to the Scala. It was al
most a triumphal progress, for he had
generously II 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 were 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 on
bufaloes," said Mrs. Dan, with Indian
caDtives in our train"
NO." Subway Smith protested; "
seem 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, n few Gathering at
tendants In gorgeous uniforms, a lofty
nod here and there and little me dis
tributing silver In the rear"
Il WONDER" exclaimed Mrs. Dan, III
they don't get tired now and then Of
being potentates. Can't you fancy liv-
Ing In palaces and longing for thatch-
ed cOttageT
Easily" answered Subway, with a
laugh. Haven't we tried 1t ourselves /?
Two months Of living upon nothing but
fatted calves is more than 1 can stand
We shall be ready for home for dys-
peptics If you can't slow down a bit
Monty"
WhereupOn Mrs. Dan evolved d 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. "Ny
scar 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 IL have to use heroic
measures. you dine with me tomor-
row."
Monty recognized defeat when he
met 1t and graciously accepted her
very kind invitation. The next mo-
ment they drew up ut the opera house
and were ushered In with q 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 1t
was so complete that 1t 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
fOvpr Tbau ho1 rorolv ov,oI,o,.