The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-10-13

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 Bcrtier tel
egraphcd n Wholesale order, which
taxed the resources of the manufactur-
ers and caused much complaint from
some customers whose work was unac-
countably dcl:ycG. The arrangement
made by the courier was that they
were to be taken back at Il 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 marquisc in Florence.
1t was with sharp regret that Mon
ty broke into the idyl of the villa. for
the witchery of the place had got into
his blood. But Il stern sense of duty
combined with the fact that the Paris
chauffcurs and machines were due in
Milan on Monday, made him ruthless
He was aStoniShed that his orders to
decamp were SO meckly oboyed, for
getting that his solcitous guests did
not know that worse extravaganza Law
beyond. He took them to Milan by
train and lodged them with some sDlcn-
dor at the Hotel Cavour. Here he
found that the fame of the princely
prohigate had preceded him, and his
portly host was all Difference and at
fnn Coz
was just too late to hear the wonderful
company of artists who had been sing
Ing at la Scala. Tho season was but
just ended. Here was an opportunity
missed, indeed, and Brewstcrs veXa-
tion brought out an ironical comment
to Bertier. 1t ranked, but it had its
effect. The courier proved equal to
the emergency. Discovering that the
manager Of the company anl 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-
party. '---- - L. ---.,
"But the place will look bare" pro-
tested the courier, aghast.
Fill it with flowers; cover 1t with
tapestries" commanded Brewster. II
put the affair in your hands. and l
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-
,,if 90, lao fNIf
established In Italy. 1t became n mat
ter of pride to do the thing handsome
ly, and the necessary business arrange
ments called out all his unused re-
sources Of dclicacy and diplomacy.
When it came to the decoration of the
opera house he called upon Pcttingill
for assistance, and together they super
intended an arrangement which cur
tained off large part Of the place and
reduced 1t to livable proportions. With
the flowers and the lights, the tapes
tries and the great faded flags, 1t 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 triumphal progress, for he had
generously If mwittingly given the
town the most princcly sensation in
years, and curiosity was abundant.
Mrs. Valentine, who was in the car
riage with Monty, wondered openly
why they werG attracting so much at
tention.
:4hey take us for American dukes
and princesses," explained Monty
''They never saw white man before"
Perhaps they expected us to ride on
buffalocs," said Mrs. Dan, "with Ipdian
captives In our train"
no" Subway Smith protested; II
seem to see disappointment in their
faces. They are look ing for crowns and
scepters and 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
milk white steed, few Gathering at
tendants in gorgeous uniforms, lofty
nod 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 liv-
ing in palaces and longing for thatch-
ed cottage?"
Easily" answered Subway, with
laugh. Haven't we tried it ourselves? /?
Two months Of living upon nothing but
fatted calves Is more than can stand.
We shall be ready for n homo for 1ys-
peptics If you can't slow down bit,
Monty"
Whercupon Mrs. Dan evolved Il plan
and promptly began to carry it out by
inviting the crowd to dinner the next
night. Monty protested that they
would be lcaYing Milan I'm the nrinr.