The Press., 1917-08-02
tain1y. But the sYgnorlna has no

Certainly. But the signorina has no choice in the natter"
 Docs this old person furnish dowry "a settlement on his bride to be?"
 ''NO, signOr."
 'Very we'll. see his 10000 francs income and go him 100000 francs bet ter as a settlement"
 "But you said your income was only 5000 francs"
 "That was for my w1fe's pin money"
 "And you will settle this income on herr"
 "Yes.''
 "And 100000 francs besides?'
 "Yes."
 The broker pulled his mustache and thought Presently he said:
 q think, signor, that you offer more than is necessary"
 "Never mind that; carry my bid to Signor Amodeo."
 The broker went to the home of his client, leaving Wilkins to await his return. He was not long gone. When he re-entered the office it was not with an expression indicating that all had been settled in his clients favor.
 q found SignOr Amodeo," he said, drawing up q contract with Herr Schmidt. I made your offer. It seems that Herr Schmidt as well as you has been concealing his property. I pre- sume this was to make better terms'-
 ''Not in my case; had another req son." interrupted Wilkins.
 "Herr Schmidt offers to settle on Signorina Blanca 5O0OO0 francs"
 '"Ten him to make it a jack pot of 100000 francs settlement, and will open it with 100000 francs income be- sides for the brides pin money"
 "Ah, signOr. you are joking!'
 ''Not a bit of 1t. If you or the others think so go to my bankers, Martinelli & Co.,, and learn something about my pile"
 The broker departed. This time he was gone quite awhile. When he re- turned there was wonder in his eyes. e
 "Well?" asked Wilkins.
 "Ah, signor, what does it mean! You, a resident of the great gold coun- try on the Pacific ocean, come to Italy to bid for a girl who, had you decided sooner, might have been had for a song"
 Have bid high enough? If not"-
 High enough? Not yet. Herr Schmidt turns out to be a rich brewer in Milwaukee, wherever that is. But your bankers say you own half dog en of the biggest gold mines in Califor- mia. Doubtless you cam
 What is his Offer?' 2
 "He says he is in the jack pot, sees your opening and goes you 5OO,OOO francs in the matter of settlement"
 '"Tell him call, but insist that Si- gnorina Blanca shall decide which is the better show dOwn-his or mine."
 "Yes, signOr, butt
 But What?'
 Where do come imp
 "If you succeed in getting the deci- sion left with Signorina Blanca l will make your commission 1OO,O 1000 francs.". The broker shot out of the office and ran down the street at top speed to SignOr AmOdeO's. Presently he re- turned and told Wilkins that he was expected by SignOrina Blanca, who would give her decision between her two suitOrs. Wilkins went with the broker and found AmOdeo and Schmidt together. Schmidt and Wilkins bow ed formally. AmOdeo went to another room and came back with his daugh- ter.
 Before decide this question: she said, T want to know, Herr Schmidt, why you wish to marry me and why. you concealed your wealthT
 "Ach! don't like @ blun. I am an old man, and wish a young wife. l concealed my wealth because I know how to make a bargain"
 "And you, signOr,'' turning to Will kins, "why do you wish me for your wifeT
 Because love you"
 But why did you come to Italy to find helpmate, and why did you con ceal your wealthY" .a "I did not come abroad purposely for a wife, but have not married in America because my wealth is known there and one I might have chosen would have married it, not me. Hay ing run up against your singular mar riage custom here, thought I would look into it. Of course didn't display my wealth. had no intention of go- ing so far as to marry. The rest you know" Smiling, Blanca advanced to Wilkins He opened his arms and took her in.
 When Wilkins returned to America with his Italian bride the story got about as to how he had won her, but since neither he nor his bride told the true story 1t was never known. The most common version was that he had wOn hIs wife ak nOIroTo fin a iacL mt