The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1910-02-10

Signorina 2 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 kiIligrew. but she seems
to be in the dark with the rest of us.
That ring and the careless way she
offered it as security convince me that
she doesn't belong. But what a 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 fol
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.
II was very foolish" said the erst.
while prima donna. IL might have
known that when one Is unlucky one
may become still more unlucky. But
/ did so wish to win. i wanted to
bring back enough gold 10 send you
all to America"
"But what was to become Of your"
asked Worth.
The question was not expected.
"Oh. Italy is my home. | shall find a
way somehow. Put me out Of your
thoughts entirely. But ! 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 meansT' 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. If, as ! be
lieve. you guaranteed our credit with
jewels we must know"
SIS it from a sense-a misguided
sense-of chivalryT" she asked, hel
lips suggesting a smile.
"You are evading u.s." went or
Worth.
"You insist. then ?" coldly.
positively insist. II you do not tell
us we shall be forced to take Our
chances elsewhere" Worth pressed a
button. A servant appeared. 1.-THE
manager at once"
La Signorina dropped her veil and
sat stiffiy 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"
"Yes. Is not everything satisfac.
tory" asked the manager eagerly.
"What security did madame ad'
vance?'
Security" The manager looked al
La Signorina, but she rendered him
not the least assistance. II have given
my word to madame not to tell"
"Then three gentlemen shall leave
Make out our bill at once"
The manager appealed to the lady.
You are foolish men," spoke La
Signorina. IF the manager wishes tC
tell you he may do So"
The manager brought forth a 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. II
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
ly right. "Once more | ask you not to
make me miserable by forcing this
trinket back upon me. VIII 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
cape.
La Signorina raised her veil. From
her girdle bag she took a letter. This
letter is from q friend | have always
known. Has any one Of you ever
heard of the P~rincipessa di Monte
Bianca?"
Her audience leaned forward atten
lively as she read the letter:
My Dear--l was very glad indeed &c
hear from you. and | shall be only toe
happy to offer YOU the temporary assist.
ance you desire. You will recollect that
| possess a villa just outside of Florence
a mile or so north of Fiesoie. The villa
is furnished and kept in repair by ar
ancient gardener and his wife. You and
your friends are welcome to occupy the
villa Ariadne as long as you please. OF
course you will find all the chests. bu
reaus. sideboards and closets under seal
for l have not been there since the death
OF my father. None of the seals may be
removed till l occupy the villa legally
However. the gardener and his wife have
/ xfl Uar md ltvnn an1 ahfpa a~d i& 49,,