Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-07-10
ICoNTINuED.l
CHAPTER XXII.

TSHE peacefulness of fairyland
 was something which Brewster
 could not afford to continue,
 NA and with Bertier he was soon planning to invade it. The automobile which he was obliged to order for the mysterious marquise put other ideas into his head It seemed at once ab- solutely necessary to give coaching party ill Italy, and, as coaches of the right kind were hard to find there and changes of horses most uncertain, nothing could be more simple and nat ural than to import automobiles from Paris. Looking into the matter, he found that they would have to be pur- chased outright, as the renting of five machines would put his credit to too severe test Accordingly Bertier tel eSraphed a wholesale order, which taxed the resources of the manufactur- CTS 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 marquise in Florence.
 It was with sharp regret that Mon- E broke into the idyl of the villa, for the witchery of the place had got into his blood But 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 prohigate had preceded him, and his portly host was all deference and at tention-an 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- tion brought out an ironical comment to Bertier. It ranked, but 1t had it's 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 will look bare" pro- tested the courier. aghast.
 "Fill it with flowers;' cover 1t with tapestries" commanded Brewster. T put the affair in your hands, and I 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- nity. His fame. he felt. was already established in Italy. It became a mat ter of pride 10 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 F4h tained of a 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 consternation 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 sl- 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 risge 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 us 10 ride on bursloes,' said Mrs Dan. with Indian csptives in our train
 "No." Subway Smith protested; T teem to sec disappointment ln their faces. They arc looking for crowns and scepters and a shower of gold coin. Really. Monty. you don't play the game as you should Why. l could give you points on the pOteutate act myself-a milk white stepsi. a few ciattering at- teudants in gorgeous uniforms. a lofty nod here and there and little me dis tributing silver in The rear
 T wonder" exclaimed Mrs. Dan. If they don't get tired now and then of being P0tentates- Cant you fancy liv- ing in palaces and longing for thatch- ed eottszeT- Easily answered Subway. with a laugh. Haven't ue tired it ourselves! Two months of living upon nothing but fatted calves is more than I can stand i We shall be ready for hone for dys | peptics if yOu can't slow down a bit. ] Nonty-
 Whereup0a Mrs. Dan evolTef a plan l snd promptly be-an to cary il Cut hr l inviting the crowd to dinner the next l night Monty protested that they 1