Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-02-28


 charmed her.
 "The people who lived here" sh thought, must be different from others The very steward shares the olden grac of manners that is so much part of thu building"
 She encouraged him to talk, watchin, him with keen interest No one of he acquaintances could speak with nor, charming wit or ease, and as they pauses in the rectangular library he referred naturally and with intimate knowledge to the books upon the shelves.
 The signora listened attentively Then feeling as if she must awake some how from the dream that seemed to holt her she said:
 T am more than satisfied with tn, villa. Will you please tell me what tht counts price is3'
 The steward looked troubled
 The last one who looked at it wal told the price was $5O0oO0. But he was a common. coarse sort of man who talked about putting in steam heating arrangement and electric lights. The count would not have sold the place tt him under any consideration. ! The signora looked amused. Your count is a proud gentleman she said. Somewhat original, is he aot?"
 Yes. do not deny it, 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"
 T know what you would say. Why does the count wish to sell his chateau ? Because he is very poor. He has very modest income, which. with the sale of the villa, would suffice for all his needs. He has wavered between sentiment and material gains. How could he sell his home to a fat old lady with innumerable cages of parrots? He must find some one who would be worthy of his beauti- ful home,"..
 - The signora, touched keenly by the pathetic voice. said warmly: Poor Count Soragna!" 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 a woman would not have remained un- married. But he said, quietly:
 After a certain number of deceptions the count has discovered a plan which works very well. 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. 9 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 life perhaps distinctly embarrassed. She must have shown it, for the count hastened to say:
 T beg your parGon, a thousand of them; but there was no other method of determining the character of the as- pirants to my villa. Hove it so truly that l could not give 1t to anyone who would not love it as did"
 So you committed the perfidy of springing an examination upon me un- prepared?" said the signora. dryly. And do you think you know me now?" She smiled ironically.
 Not at all," said the count. bending gallantly to pick up a glove she had let fall. To know a woman is always difficult; to affirm that you know her is imprudent. In my case. I merely bow in admiration
 Bravo. Count Soragna." and the signora held out her hand. smiling this time with the smile of woman who has found her master.
 May take down the sign For Sale'?" asked the count as the lady made her way to the door.
 The signora pre;ended to be busy fastening her glove and did not answer.
 May Itake down the sisn?' He re- peated the question humbly.
 What are the conditions?" but the signora did not lift her eyes from the refractory glove.
 There was a moments silence. Then the count said softly:
 Only one It is that the future owner of the villa will consent to become the Countess Soragna-
 Whatever the signora may have ex- pected. she certainly was not prepared for this. Consequently, being quite un- able to decide in five minutes to take both a villa and a husband. she con- iinued to button and unbutton the glove. Jus, then the carriage drove heavily up to the door
 T will come myself for the answer cried th. count. seizing her hand.
 For a moment they looked happily into each others eyes.
 -Au revoir." said the signora. gently From the Italian. in x. Y. Sun.