Omaha daily bee., 1912-03-24
Paris. March IS.

THE exquisitely lovely little Spanish ae-
tresa Tortola Valencia. has sent a
= pitiful cry from st. Petersburg to her
susceptible young sovereign. King Alfonso.
for help against the prying minions OF the
Gar.
senori,a Tortols went TO g. Petersburg to
mother a historical but decayed pearl
necklace belonging to the Cxar. Pearls have
. strange habit Of taking up the illhealth
and evil qualities OF those who wear them.
and as this one has been worn by the EN-
press Catherine and by many Of the Cars
distinguished ancestresses. II had fallen into
pretty bad condition. Pearls decay and die,
too, II they are not worn at all.
II needed q young. soft, warm. healthy,
clearskinned beauty. like senorita Tortola
Valencia. to save the Cars necklace from
death and bring 1t back to beautiful life.
Senorlta Tortoia had established q tremen-
dous reputation 10 Paris a. . successful
pearl doctor or pearl mother.
THERE'S famous necklace in the Louvre
left to 1t by Nine. THEIRS widow OF the
noted French statesman. II was dying
from lack OF human contact The authorities
discussed the propriety OF entrusting II TO
some fair pearl doctor.
TortoIa valencia's name was most favor.
ably mentioned The authorities, however,
decided that the necklace could not legally
be allowed out Of the museum, and II en-
trusted to anybody. Il must be hung upon
one Of the reformed or crippled ex.policemen.
who act az guardians OF the Louvre.
The peculiar and well advertised virtue
Of Tortola's skin. however, attracted the at
tention OF many great ladies' OF Partisan
society whose pearl necklaces were fading
like themselves. They engaged her as pearl
mother. with delightful results.
Thus the Car or his court officials came
20 hear OF her. His necklace consisted OF Q
string OF one hundred and sixty pearls. per.
fectly matched and graduated. and ranging
up 10 an enormous size In the largest speci-
mems. In fact. II was without q peer among
pearl necklaces. and when In perfect condi-
ton was practically priceless. II had been
the fayorite ornament OF the Empress Cath.
crime, the most disreputable old person who
ever sat upon q European throne. which Is
saying good deal What shames and crimes
had this NECKLACE Witnessed! For years It had
been growing dull and furnished from neglect
and uncnngenisi and unwholesome wearers
Murder and evil passions had blasted and
corroded the souls Of the pearls.
so an appeal was sent TO Senorlts Tortola
Valencia, formerly OF Madrid, then In Paris,
10 save the Cars haunted historic heirloom.
She was told practically TO name her own
terms, bring all the servants and baggage she
needed, and that she and her belongings
would be sumptsously lodged In one Of the
imperial palaces.
senorita Tortola accepted the Invitation
with the trustfuiness natural 10 her youth
and sex Having obtained large part OF
her pay in advance. and put II In the bank.
she started for St. Petersburg with her
French maid, her French chef, her French
laundress, her two French bulldogs and her
twenty-three large trunks. And. oh. yes. she
did not forget TO bring her French beauty
doctor, for when q lady lives by her hearty
she has to keep II very perfect
When Torfola arrived at St Petersburg
everything fulfilled her rosiest expectations
An army Of uniformed officials and plain
clothes men with black whiskers and obse
auious servants without whiskers received
her. She was lodged In q magnificent suite
OF rooms In the Imperial Palace OF czarsko
Selo where there was room for fame,
dancing. beauty doctofing. fine cooking. AM
all the relaxations that might tighten tn
labors Of pearl mothering.
The marshal Of the court Count Kinsky
confded the precious pearls TO her viii
infinite politeness
-His Majesty entrusts to your tender.
fostering care, Madame, one Of the mos
precious heirlooms Of the imperial house." h
said.
His beady black eyes wandered up AMI
down all over the actresses fair form. The.
sought out every feature OF her apartment
they scrufinized every detail Of her belong
ings She took this as . natural tribute q
her keauty.
After almost endless quessionings and con
versatioa. the marshal softly inquired a
what hour the actress retired.
-0h. about 10 O'Clock tonight. as ! an
tired" she said.
When the marshal had gone Torsola peepet
out into the corridor Of the palace and found
that II was thoroughly patrolled by servants
and men In plain clothes- She tried to ex
plore and was stopped By q man who pre-.