Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-03-26
BY MARK LEE LUTHER

Mrs. Bair's. II think I'm tired, Aunty," she said.
Mrs; Truscott turned with them Where he'll stop
couldn't very well ask. Probably he's to be guest in
of the villas can't associate him with modern
hotel. 1t doesn't suit him. He needs a pictorial
setting. He belongs, she hesitated her picture,
and then found inspiration in the burdened gate
way of the Villa Carlotta, he belongs in there
Ann, glancing through the ironwork Of the gate,
fabric to which the old terraces with their leaping
fountain gave such noble approach He belonged in it's
eighteenth century atmosphere he belonged in the
Renaissance, the Middle Ages, and dozen vivid back
grounds of the past. He harmonized with all scenes
that had historic color and fragrance He at home
in all ages. He would lve-had she known tin ages
yet to come He was deathess! He was Romance!
And thereupon, in the setting they had chosen for
him, he appeared.
eff he isn't coming down the steps," Then graphing
with opportunity, she enjoined Admire the lake
anythng-and you'll meet him It's splendid
chance!" Her companions, however, retracing
their steps, and she had no option but to follow Per-
haps your plan is better" She said, overtaking them
"He may be conceited enough to think we knew he
there and were waiting for him to come out
Stung by the same thought, AIMS temper slipped its
leash "Our only plan, Mrs. Truscott," she flashed,
"is to dress for dinner"
Mrs Blair pressed the girls arm warningly. at
really is late she put in with pacific intent; later than
supposed I'm always losing track of time in Italy"
But Virginia Truscott, thick skinned in general for
once took affront. at solely your account,
Ann that suggested waiting, she retorted. Il have
need to scheme for introductions myself"
A GATE changed behind them and rapid step took
1 their direction. Ann, knowing her aunts
limitations walker suddenly released her
nifty pressed on ahead. She had scarcely left them
before she heard Rodoslav overtake and greet Mrs.
Truscott and then after an instant of fornalities.
address Mrs Blair Disgust made her picture Virginia
nauseating blend of Difference and triumph She
should present her. Ann Milburn She
grmly resolved upon that.
But her very haste betrayed her. She not shod
for emergencies like this, and heel built for drawing
rooms, not high roads, became the contemplate in
strument of her undoing. The despicable object
dropped off slyly No urch or spran or pity COM
pelng accident attended its base desertion. She
merely absurd Somewhere in the dust behind lay the
wretched thing but she would not degn to turn With
her right foot tptoe she held to her naughty course
praying all the gods in her pantheon that her limp and
the missing heel might alike go unnoticed. Save
Cupid, the gods were apparently preoccupied: Her
sensitive caught Virginia Truscott's laugh, her
aunt's exclamation, and then masculine pursuit.
"Mademoisele- pardon!'
Beaten, she turned and faced him. One hand held
his hat, in the other balanced the vile of her
humiliation. To his everlasting credit, Rodoslav did
not smile Even his eyes grave So circum-
stanced, Virginia Truscott ran them down and regu-
larzed their acquaintance Ann, til the hauteur of
monarch by divine right, bent her head. The Prince
with the humility of subject bowed from the waist
DO let me send carrosSa," he entreated
Don't trouble" said her Majesty. Il can walk"
But should you?" He waved the heel in mute
argument as he gave it back. 1t would be awkward,
even dangerous"
Dangerous! To the Bella Vista?" Her glance
travelled toward the haven she had all but gained Il
can hardly believe it,
1.-The Bella VISTA" he repeated. "That alters
matters" With second bow, which was more hers
than the others, he went his way
Ann dropped the heel as if it toad.
II should think you'd want to keep it for souvenir"
said Virginia, staring. ut makes think of Gin
derella" Getting response, she added to Mrs.
Blair, In fact it all seems fairy tale Who dreamed
he would pop out of the Villa Carotta where we'd just
said he belonged? presume he's related to the Duke
of SAKE Meinnpen. who owns it. He's everyhodv,s