Tombstone epitaph., 1915-07-11
MADAME THE AMBASSADRESS



 our way to a secluded corner where there was bench under the shadow Of an olive. and sat down.
 By this time l had resolved upon my course of action. This was to en- list Madame D'Urbino on my side. it possible. and through her to ascertain the truth as to the danger which 1 believed to threaten France. The situ- ation. as you realize. was a delicate one In order to make an ally of the beautiful Italian. it was first of all necessary to establish between us a relation of 8 more intimate kind than mere friendship. In the interest of France l prepared 10 make this sacri- flee, and 10 assume for time the tender character of lover.
 The opening which l sought was furnished by Madame D'Urbino her self. who had evidentally perceived that something was weighing on my mind.
 You are silent this evening. my friend she remarked. Perhaps you have had news which has distressed you
 You are too good 10 interest your self in me responded. assuming melancholy tone.
 Do not say that she cried with real feeling. Al least you do not be lieye that regard you in any other light than as 3 cherished friend?'
 T took her hand respectfully and raised 1t 10 my lips. Your friendship will always re main my most prized possession answered. even if the troubles which ! l fcresee between our countries should | force me to resign the hope of ever ] obtaining a warmer place in your re gard
 Madame D'Crb!no turned on me a look of consternation. It was easy to see that she was ignorant of what ever was on foot
 But. my friend. what you say is incredible she exclaimed. What are these troubles which you apprehend?'
 "Ask Queen Margharita,' I retorted with bitterness. Her Majesty is in the secret of this affair. of which as yet l have been able to learn nothing defin- ite.' l affected to hesitate for mo- ment, and then, as if yielding to an impulse. I cried out: An if you could enable me to understand. and perhaps to remove this peril. what service you would render to the cause of peace-to our friendship
 The beautiful widow retained enough shrewdne-s to perceive the seriousness Of my remark.
 Ut would be difficult for you to ask me anything which I should be capable of refusing. she murmurmed. with some reluctance.
 | "l pressed her elegant hand which had omitted to relinquish.
 ".Ah" whispered, what you say encourages me to look forward to the time when I shall ask something of real importance
 She wavered.
 But are you not asking me, in effect, to aid you against my own country? she said, as If in doubt.
 And if were? demanded. taking possession of her hand. Do not al , ! gard for me which is stronger than political considerations?
 And again ventured upon tender salute"
 The ambassador was so much over come by these touching "reminiscences that it was some time before he could continue.
 "In a few minutes everything was arranged. Lucia-that is to say Madame DUrbino-undert1o 1ok to penetrate the secret of what was go ing forward, and to assist me in the struggle foresaw. We decided that it would be i'm prudent for her to communicate will me by letter. Instead. we arranged that every afternoon at five o'clock when she was relieved from her at tendance on the queen, she should drive up and down the Corso, the most crowded street in Rome. where meet ing between us would have the ap pearance of chance, and would thu; provoke nc suspicion. "I passed the next few days in state of the keenest anxiety. Eacf |, afternoon at the hour agreed l tool : my way to the Corso. and at las , one afternoon she signaled she had important news.
 Tt was impossible for us to stoI : our carriages in this narrow ana [ crowded thoroughfare. l therefore 1 alighted from mine, and walked alont l to meet that of the countess as sh' - turned. In this way our encounter ex , cited no attention from passers-by ] My friend caused her carriage to hal
 for a moment and invited me to enter r and then, as 1 placed myself by he }. side, We drove slowly on, exchanginl I bows with our acquaintances alon, e the route.
 l. Tn the meantime we conversed ii o tones too low to De heard. Like al l. women. Madame DiUrbino commences .- by demanding iattery as the price o if her services