The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-06-06
CHAPTER XXI.
.HE peacefulness Of fairyland
q was something which Brewster

was something which Brewster
could not afford to continue,
n and with Bertier be was soon
zpzanning to invade it. The automobile
Haich he was obliged to order for the
mysterious marquise put other ideas
anta his head It seemed at once ab-
=solutey necessary to give coaching
y3arty in Italy, and, as coaches Of the
xfght aind were hard to find there and
changes Of horses most uncertain,
aething could be more simple and nat
arai 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
anachines would put his credit to too
severe test. Accordingly Bertier tel
graphed a wholesale order, which
aaxea the resources of the manufactur-
.es aad caused much complaint from
.ssnoe customers whose work was unac-
scauntably delayed. The arrangement
made sby the courier was that they
were to be taken back ct greatly re-
Ss7uced price at the end Of six weeks.
The machines were shipped at once,
aTe to Milan and one to the address Of
aaae mysterious marquise in Florence.
It was Fith sh4rp regret that Mon
srpke into the idyl of the villa, for
sas wnchery OF the place had got into
aais blood. But a stern sense Of duty,
sconnbined with the fact that the Paris
srhauffers and machines were due ln
Milan on Monday, made him ruthless.
lie was astonished that his orders to
decamp were so meekly obeyed, for
setting that his solicitous guests did
NOT know that worse extravaganza lay
BEYOND He took them to Milan by
stEain and lodged them with some splen-
dor at the Hotel Cayour. Here he
found that the fame Of the princely
profigate had preceded him, and his
torfly host was all Difference and at
fention-all regret, too, for monsieur
mas inst TOO late to hear the wonderful
rcmpany OF artists. who had been sing
ing at La Scala. The season was but
5ust ended. Here was an opportunity
missed, indeed, and Brewsters yexa-
zion brought out an ironical comment
ke Bertier. It ranked, but it had It's
eject. The courier proved equal to
The emergency. Discovering that the
manager Of the company and the prin-
.ssIpa artists were still in Milan, he
suggested to Brewster that special
Derformanee 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.
4But the place will look bare pro
tested the courier. aghast
ttFin it with flowers; cover it with
tapestries commanded Brewster. Il
Cuf the affair in your hands, and l
Must you to carry it through ID the
risnt way. Show them how it ought to
g,e done"
Rrfier'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 mat
asr of pride to do the thing handsome
". and the necessary business arrange
zrents called out all his unused re-
saa1rces Of delicacy and diplomacy.
Wnen it came to the decoration Of the
opera house he called upon Pertingill
Gr assistance, and together they super
1asended an arrangement which cur
sa5ned off a large part Of the place and
rgauced it to hyable proportions. With
TIE flowers and the lights. the tapes
Ges and the great faced flags, it be
came something quite different from
E,e usual empty theater.
Te the CONSERVATION Of the Italians,
g:ae 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. It was al
mast triumphal progress, for he had
generously if unwittingly given the
suwn the most princely sensation in
years, and curiosity was abundar
gzN Valentine, who was in the
rage with Monty, wondered openly
wHy they were attracting SO much at
1enssyn.
They take us for American dukes
and princesses. explained Monty.
They never saw white man before"
-Re~haps they expected us to ride on
k1fEa1oes,'' said Mrs. Dan, with Indian
eeapdves in our train"
~SNo," Subway Smith protested; II
seem TO see disappointment in their
Eaces. They are looking for crowns and
sssHters and shower Of gold coin.
Raalty. Monty. you don't play the game
as geH should. Why, could give you
pDnts ga the potentate act myself-a
znlIk whi1e steed, a few gathering at
Eendants in gorgeous uniforms, a lofty
saa6 here and there and little me dis
xrSbuting silver In the rear"
q wonder" exclaimed Mrs. Dan, ''if
1aey don't get tired now and then OF
being Dotentates. Can't you fancy liv-
ing in palaces and longing for thatch-
ed cottage2"