Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-03-26

of Europe who were not born to work
experience when they are thrown out
upon the world. It does not exist
certainly not to so great an extent-in
America.
What could she do for Brandini?
Nothing The pride which had caused
him to fee from such help as he might
have received from his friends would
prevent his accepting assistance from
a woman he had known in that ex-
elusive circle. One of the unseen abyss
es that beset the way OF those who
tread roseate paths had been sudden.
ly exposed to her vision.
The only effort Miss Tracy felt her
self in a position to make in Brandini's
behalf was to inform her father Of her
meeting with the Italian with a view
to learning If anything could be done
for him. Mr.. Tracy was disposed to
help one who had contributed to his
and his daughters pleasure in a for
eign land. He went to the restaurant
where Henrietta had seen Brandini.
described him to the proprietor and
was told that a man answering that
day Miss Tracy had met Brandini.
The proprietor did not know where
he had gone. That ended the matter
for the time being and possibly for
ever.
But Fate. who delights In arranging
all sorts Of complications for US, was
working the matter in his own peculiar
fashion. Many q mans career has
been determined by some slight Incl
dent such as missing a train. falling
into a river or running up against some
one turning corner. In this case the
agent through which fate worked was
a newspaper. Some eighteen months
after Miss Tracy's meeting with Bran
DIM in restaurant she advertised for
a chauffeur. Receiving several replies,
she appointed day and an hour when
the applicants for the position might
present themselves for inspection.
When she entered the room where they
were assembled and cast her eye over
them whom should she see among the
number but Luigi Brsndini. His NOR
LITIGATION was apparent in his scarlet
face He made movement to retire.
but changed his mind. It was too
late.
Miss Tracy questioned the men one
after another, dismissing them as soon
as examined until she came to Bran
DIM. The two stood alone together.
Brandini looking as If he would like to
escape. Miss Tracy looked as If she
would like to prevent him from doing
so.
For q moment she hesitated whether
to speak to him as former friend or
as an applicant for the position OF
! course.
"Your Manner she asked.
Giovanni Ricadonna."
How much experience have you had
In running automobiles?"
None whatever, signora. am sure
would not suit you. ! should not
/ have answered your advertisement"
Nevertheless l like your appearance
and think that, after little practice,
you will be able to drive my auto very
well. You are engaged"
Pardon me, signora. 1 am quite
sure l should not be able to- He
stopped, bowed his head and fixed his
eyes on the floor.
"Signor Brandini," said the lady,
you are among friends"
You Romans" she continued. "were
very kind to US when we were in It
ally. My father, my mother and 1
were indebted to you among others
for a very pleasant sojourn in your
| lfaI fot
may be able to help you out of this
quagmire into which you have fallen"
He raised his eyes to hers.
81 wish you would consult him in
reference to your affairs. he would
consider it a favor If you would per-
NIT him through you to return some
of the favors received from your coun-
trymen while we were In Rome"
There is nothing he can do for me,
signora.'
you mean that your ancestral pride
| viii not permit you to accept any
thing at his hands. In that you are
wrong. Indeed, you are absurd. You
need some one to throw a switch to
turn the rails of fate and place you on
the main track"
''Signora. you are apt at condensing
the expression of ideas"
"Give me your address,"
He acceded to her request and she
secured a promise from him to answer
any communication that might be sent
TO him. Then she permitted him TO
depart.
That was some years ago. Now
Luigi Brandinl is n member of the
Italian parliament. and his wife, for
merry Miss Tracy, Is prominent in
Roman social life and. possessing a
fortune. can afford certain important
charities. The Romans have often
tried to learn where Brandinl passed
those years that he was lost to Rome.
but have never succeeded. OF all con-
cerned the Tracy family are the only
ones who know that the legislator
once swung napkin in an American
restaurant.