The daily Alaskan., 1907-05-03
A MATRIMONIAL
 BLUNDER
fOriEinaLl

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 Not very good looking. Nose very bad. HaIr. fine and glossy, but there's not enough of 1t. A little too tall and slender"
 It was in the old city of Genoa, where many Of the marriages are brought about by brokers. They keep list of marriageable girls and their good points, such as accomplishments, beauty, fortunes, etc. The brokers ar range the marriage for the would be groom with the girls parents, md the couple are introduced atterward. Either party may recede after the nToduc- ton. but if the man wishes to do so he must pay the brokerage and expenses.
 Such an arrangement had been made for the union of Vittorl ConcI and Lu- cla ArmOdeo, and the young lady, hay ing made up her mind what course to pursue, opened the door and stepped into the apartment where the gentle mau awaited her. Ten minutes later he left the house, and Signorina ArmO- deo joined her mother in the library.
 "I think" said the daughter indccis- lively, that I shall decline to fulhu the contract. He Is either very wise or very stupid, for he opened his eyes upon me-they are his only rcdeeming feature - but scarcely opened his mouth"
 The front door creaked and her ia ther entered.
 Its all off, he said.
 "What do you mean?" asked the daughter, starting.
 "I met Signor COnci on the doorstep He declines to complete the contract He chose rather to pay all expenses. However, since you are only seveUteep there Is vet time"
 Indeed there is," replied the daugh- ter under her breath and with a dan gerous glitter in her eye.
 One evening soon after this episode Yittori and Lucia met at a ball.
 Good evening, siguor' she said. "l am glad to meet you again. Because We do not marry there Is no reason why we may not be friends" and, slipping her hand within his arms>she walked away with him. The orchestra was playing one of STaus' delightful waltzes, and what could the young man do but propose that they should dance? Then, when they had finished the girl proposed that they should sit awhile in a recess and chat He seem. ed embarrassed at first but his com panlou put him at his ease. Indeed, be fore they parted he felt bold enough to apologize for having refused to marry her. but his courage forsook him and he stammercd iucohereuuy.
 Don't speak of har," she said. "It was presumptuous in me even to think of such a thing. You are so much brighter than l. so prominent sociallyi a marriage between us was not to Ce considered. Besides, there is too great a difference in our ages"
 'I am thirty" he remarked, some what chopfallen.
 And I am only seventeen. Thirteen years Is a great difference. I respect elderly men, but a chit like myself should not aspire to marry one O. them"
 Vlttori went home feeling very un comfortable. Lucia in her ball dress had appeared far more to advantage than In home costume. He regretted hIs decision. But what troubled hin most was to have been informed that he was passing into an age which young girls consider UIL
 One day Yittou met the broker who had made the contract for him. The man chided him for withdrawing. Yit- tori admitted that he had made mis- take.
 'Tu fix up a new contract" said the broker.
 "Iu pay you another commission"
 Done
 A few days later the broker notified Yittori that a new contract had been made with SiguOr ArmOdeO. for his daughters hand. VittorI was much pleased. He did not know how Lucls felt in the matter, but Italian girls were used to obeying their fathers, There would be ao trouble.
 One day the broker informed Vii tori that all had been arranged and he might call upon Lucia as soon as ha liked. He found Lucia arrayed in her most dainty visiting costume, with hat and gloves.
 q am pleased to see you, Signor Concl, but 1 fear there has been a mis- take. My father has informed me that he had made a new contract for us. This be has done without my consent Yesterday I was eighteen and of age, coming into my fortune. am sorry If you are disappointed. As have told you. your gray hairs stand be- tween ug."
 "NIy gray hairsm said the astonish- ed yittori. q was not aware that ! had one"
 ''You must not be put to expense in this matter. Here Is my check for the commission. Good evening. 1 am sor- ry that you have been put to unneces- -.----- A--rEr, Won -,,,4ek a-.g4-a mo