The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1909-12-16
CHAPTER XIV.
o'MALLY SUGGESTS.

one another along the Riya 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 p said Worth.
What about herr
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, l don't, know what to think.
I've pumped Killigrew, but she seems
to be in the dark with the rest Of us.
That ring and the careless way she
offered 1t as security convince me that
she doesn't belong. But what voice"
"She is 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.
81 was very foolish" said the erst
while prima donna. 81 might have
known that when one is unlucky one
may become still more unlucky. But
l did so wish to win. wanted to
bring back enough gold to send you
all to America"
But what was to become Of you"
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 l 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.
with my word" she answered.
81 know something of these foreign
hotel managers. Words must be back
ed by values" Worth's eye was still
steady and unwavering. eff, as l be-
lieve you guaranteed our credit with
Jewels we must know"
rs il from a sense-a misguided
sense-of chivalry?" she asked, her
lips suggesting a smile.
'You are evading u.s." went on
Worth.
you insist. them" coldly.
4 90 all
us we shall be forced to take our
chances elsewhere" Worth pressed a
button. A servant appeared. "The
manager at once"
La Signorina dropped her veil and
sat stiffy In her chair. Kitty moved
uneasily. The manager appeared. He
bowed.
Madame here" began Worth, indi-
eating La Signorina. has guaranteed
our credit at your hotel
Eyes. Is not everything satisfac-
toryY asked the manager eagerly.
what security did madame ad-
vanceT
Security" The manager looked at
La Signorina, but she rendered him
not the least assistance. 81 have given
nv 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 be may do So"
The manager brought forth fat
wallet and opened it. Out of this he
took a fat object wrapped in tissue
paper. Very tenderly he unfolded it.
The treasure was a diamond pendant,
worth at least $1,000
II was to keep this simply till
madame chose to reclaim it. Nothing
has been advanced against it." A new
thought came into the managers
mind. and he turned slightly pale. IF
it is not madame's"-
1T is mine" said La Signorina. She
was very angry, but her sense OF jus
tice admitted that Worth was perfect
" right "Once more l ask you not to
make me miserable by forcing this
trinket back upon me. Will you do
me the honor to wait till tomorrow
morning.
The three men exchanged looks.
It'll tomorrow morning. them said |
Worth. The manager was glad to es-
rape.
La Signorina raised her veil. From |
her girdle bag she took letter. This
letter is from a friend l have always
known. Has any one of you ever
heard of the Frincipessa di Monte
Bianca?"
Her audience leaned forward atten-
lively as she read the letter:
My Dear-I was very glad indeed to
hear from you and / shall be only too
happy 10 offer you the temporary assist
ance you desire. You will recollect that
1 possess villa just outside Of Florence,
a mile or so north of Fiesoe. The villa
is furnished and kept in repair by an
ancient gardener and his wife, You and
your friends are welcome to occupy the
Villa Ariadne as long you please. or
course you will find all the chests, bu-
reaus sideboards and closets under seal,
for have not been there since the death