The Somerset reporter., 1909-05-20
ment the music died down.

china upon 1t. and he was thus en-
gagged when Michele. the commission
nalre. appeared at the top of flight of
marble steps that led into the eastern
wing of the hotel, fronting on the ter
race.
Here Is NJ. Ribiere to see you. sir"
he said softly, with backward glance
over his shoulder. and Mariana
straighteesed up instantly, with smile
of welcome, for Ribiere was an old
and valued accomplish In the gentle
art of soft Italian legal stealing.
tall. alert young Frenchman. clad
In an English walking suit of gray
and carrying a portfolio beneath his
arm, ran lightly down the steps and
approached the maitre d'hotel.
"Ah, Mariano!" he cried as he ap-
preached,
The genial Mariana bowed graceful
ly and rubbed his flexible hands to-
gether.
m. Ribierer he chartered gayly.
This is one of the days of days.
The music burst forth again, and be
whirled about angrily In the direction
of the lemon grove.
"Silenziot~ he cried. with waving
hands "Silenzior' and turned again
to Ribiere. Michele, with a glance at
them. went back within the hotel.
Ribiere turned a warning glance to-
ward the hotel and whispered in Ital-
ian:
"Let us speak Engleesh- Fewer un-
derstand."
Mariana again bowed and spread out
his hands in assent.
II hope m'sieu still occupy the ex-
alt position of secretar' to monseigneur
the gran duke"
The Frenchman walked quickly to
one of the little wicker tea tables that
were scattered about sat down and
spened his portfolio.
I'VE will not mention either the
name or the rank of my employer" he
said gravely. There are reasons Of
state. You underestimate
The maitre d'hotel threw up his
hands In despair, and his round eyes
rolled heavenward.
Again incognito! Every year he
come to thees hotel for two, three or
four day. but always incognitor
Ribiere paid little attention to him,
but opened a notebook and removed q
fountain pen from his pocket Mariana
shrugged his shoulders and went on
setting the table, then stopped and
looked up.
Each time we lose the honor to
have 1t known he went on. "In Ma
pies. everywhere, are reech Ameri-
can peoples that would give large
pourboire to mingle with his high
ness
The secretary lifted a warning fin
ger.
"Have l not said 1t is to be incog-
nito, and yet you pirate of highness in
the first breath. Would you wish he
shall withdraw his patronageT' He
looked staringly at the man opposite
him. "See that you do not offend
again" He consulted his watch.
HE comes in his machine from Ma
pies. AS on former visits, all is to be
as before. No one must guess. To
all he must be Herr Grollerhagen"-
Herr Grollerhagenw calculated Ma
riano quickly and with establishment
in his round features. Herr Groller-
hagenr'
HE wishes to be known as Ger
man." went on M. Ribiere. ut pleases
him to be so thought"
Mariana stood lost in contemplative
establishment.
what a man." he sighed-"of ca
price. eccentrique, SO wonderful! HaP
The secretary smiled in a superior
manner.
You have said 1t. Last night he
talked by chance to strange North
American In the hotel ut Napoli. Ap-
parently he is much interested. Today
he has that stranger for companion In
his automobile. | demonstrate. What
use? He laugh for one-half the hour.
Again the maitre d'hotel remained
lost In establishment. For some mo-
ments he stood with the napkin in his
hands gazing out over the wonderful
bay that lay before the hotel.
HE Is not like those cousin Of his I'm
Petersburg and Moscowa," he said at
last, with n touch Of awe In his tones.
And yet, though monseigneur is SO
good and generoso, will not the an
archist strike against the name OF even
royalty himself? You have not that
fearT
The secretary shivered in the soft
warm air and seized his companion by
the wrist.
II haver' he said quickly. HE has
not take what precautions l can
secretly from him. But Of what use?
You have few patrons?"
A smile crossed Mariano's face. and
he shrugged his shoulders expressive
ly.
at is yet so early In the season.
Those poor musician'-he pointed Off
beyond the gates-"they wait always
at every gate to play when they shall
see any one coming, but of late they
are disappoint Within. with us in the
hotel. are but seek people. all of one
party!'
An expression of relief crossed the
Frenchman's face, and he opened his
notebook quickly.
"Goodv he murmured. who are
they"
Mariana scratched his head with one
ruminative finger and bent his brows
upon the table In thought.
There Is milor', an English excel
lancy-the Earl of HaWcastle. there ia