Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1909-11-11
CHAPTER XIV.

little pensiones which shoulder
one another along the Riva degli
= Schiaboni sat three men. All
three were smoking execrable tobacco.
The castaways of the American Comic
opera troupe were on the anxious seat
"O'Mally, what's your opinion Of La
SignOrina?" said Worth.
What about her.?
what do you think Of her? She's
not one Of us; she belongs to another
class. and the stage is only an Incl
dent
"Well, don't know what to think.
I've pumped Killigrew. but she seems
to be in the dark with the rest Of ma
That ring and the careless way she
'onered 1t as security convince me that
she doesn't belong. But what yoicep,
She lis without exception one Of
the most beautiful women l ever saw
or care to see," rejoined Worth.
Smith and O'Mally exchanged a
swift. comprehensive look.
Worth rose to go to Cooks office for
possible letters, but abruptly returned
to announce that the two ladies' had
returned from Monte Carlo. The actors
proceeded to the parlor and greeted
the prima donna and Kitty.
I'VE lost" explained the latter. {.
Il was very foolish" said the erst-
while prima donna. ~ might have
known that when one is unlucky one
may become still more unllfcky. But
did so wish to win. l wanted to
bring back enough gold to send you
all to America"
''But what was to become Of your"
asked Worth.
The question was not expected.
"'Oh, Italy is my home. l shall find
way somehow. Put me out of your
thoughts entirely. But l am sorry to
bring you this bitter disappointment,
for it must be bitter"
There is one thing wish to under
stand thoroughly" put in Worth slow
ly.
'You have guaranteed our credit at
this hotel. BY what means?' Worth
held her eye with courage.
W A'h ny "oiu' shC aIis "'iSd
II know something of these foreign
hotel managers. Words must be back.
ed by values" Worth's eye was still
steady and unwavering. IF, as l be-
1ieve, you guaranteed our credit with
jewels We must know"
rs it from a sense-a misguided
sense-of chivalry?" she asked, her
lips suggesting smile.
You are evading u.s." went on
Worth.
"You insist, then?' coldly.
Positively insist. If you do not tell
us we shall be forced to take our
chances elsewhere" Worth pressed
button. A servant appeared. "The
manager at once"
La Signorina dropped her veil and
sat stiffiy in her chair. Kitty moved
The manager appeared. He
bowed.
Madame here began Worth, indi-
eating La Signorina. has guaranteed
our credit at your hotel'
Yes. Is not everything satisfac-
tory?" asked the manager eagerly.
"What security did madame ad-
Security" The manager looked at
La Signorina, but she rendered him
not the least assistance. Il have given
my word to madame not to tell
"Then three gentlemen shall leave.
Make out our bill at oncer'
The manager appealed to the lady.
you are foolish men," spoke La
Signorina. If the manager wishes to
tell you he may do So"
The manager brought forth a fat
wallet and opened it. Out of this he
took fat object wrapped in tissue
paper. Very tenderly he unfolded it,
The treasure was diamond pendant
worth at least $1,000.
Il was to keep this simply till
madame chose to reclaim it. Nothing
mas been advanced against it, A new
thought came into the managers
mind, and he turned slightly pale. "If
t is not madame's"-
1T Is mine," said La Signorina. She
was very angry, but her sense Of JUS
ice admitted that Worth was perfect
V right. "Once more ask you not to
make me miserable by forcing this
rinket back upon me. Will you do
ne the honor to wait till tomorrow
The three men exchanged looks.
It'll tomorrow morning, them" said
Worth The manager was glad to es-
ape.
La Signorina raised her veil. From
Ter girdle bag she took letter. This /
etter is from friend have always
,nown. Has any one of you ever /
heard of the Principessa di Monte
Her audience leaned forward atten-
lively as she read the letter:
My Dear-I was very glad indeed to
ear from you, and l shall be only too
appy to offer you the temporary assist
nee you desire. You will recollect that
possess a villa just outside Of Florence,
mile or so north of Fiesole. The villa
furnished and kept in repair by an
ncient gardener and his wife You and