Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-10-03

HI
NR( poor?" Is a question many a
sentimental swain has asked
the lady OF his heart since the primitive
first lovers OF countless centuries ago be-.
gan to learn the art OF cooling their devo-
tion in sentimental phrases.
And since this question first was asked
of maiden the reply always has been
something that meant, I'D love you. dear.
est II YOU were as poor as the proverbia
church mouse"
or course. little condolences Of this kind
have only tender value-the proclama.
t!on Of the young woman who has been
wooed and won by her favored gallant
would hardly have the binding qualities OF
a duly executed bond. and few doubling
suitors ever have taken their aweethearts
OF their word or put them to the test.
So lovers everywhere will greet with
considerable interest the arrival In Amer.
lea within the next few weeks Of one OF
the most beautiful young noblewomen Of
Europe, tho young and charming Countess
folanda di Afarini r daughter OF the Prince
Sachette di Mar!ni. one OF the proudest
mobiles OF Italy and hereditary Chamber.
lain to the Pope. The Countess Is coming
to this country to prove abe meant what
she said when. to young man who held
her in his arms on one OF the esplanades OF
her fathers castle. Just outside OF Rome,
she whispered:
How foolish you are, my dear. to ask
me II would care for you and be as happy
to be yours if you were not wealthy and
the bearer Of title as ancient as my owni
or course I would love you always-even
II you were stripped OF everything you
have on earth but your life"
The young man was happy when he
heard that answer from the lips Of his be-
loved. He left her that evening light OF
heart and more determined than ever that
when he had gone out to the trenches in
the north with the first legions OF troops
to be sent against the Austrians he would
win glory and fame and come back worthy
indeed of such a love as awaited him.
Then there came time when he began
to wonder II his sweetheart really meant
those tender words. He was NOBLE
wealthy owner of castles and large estates,
a classmaste Of the King. Countless young
women Of ancient name and modern riches
paid court to him when no returned from
the front on furlough. wounded arm car
ried in a sling and with decorations won
under fire shining from his breast. Any
one OF them, he knew. would give him her
hand gladly If he were but TO ask for It,
And he knew that with most of them It
would be his wealth, his castles and his
fame as a hero they would be glad to
marry not so much he himself.
So. as will be told later, he put his
wealth and his castles at his sweetheart's
feet, fguratively speaking, and touched a
match to them. And when they had burned
and he was pauper, with only his medals
and his courage left, he left her, saying,
NOW am poor am not even an officer
any longer, for shall resign and become
private IN the ranks. II you meant what
you said that night on tho esplanade under
the moon you will come to me- II not, you
will forget me-"
lie was afraid she wouldn't come to him.
But he was mistaken.
This young man was the Marquis Saliva
tore Pace, member of the family Of the
famous Princes of Aragona. Outside OF
Rome, just beyond the Vatican HILL he
lived with his retainers In the castle of his
ancestors, the famous Palaza Cudia, where.
legend has it. the Borgias used to gather
for secret revels Around the castle spread
many rach acres, their produce contribute
ing daily to the sustenance OF those who
lived with the Pope within the Vatican
walls.
When he became OF age and Inherited
MS marquisate the young nobleman began
TO i've the life of "son of the rich" He
mad no business or financial cares and de.
voted himself to the gay circle OF young
men who idled their time away in the ex.
elusive circles OF Roman society.
IL was IN this circle he met the pretty
young Countess di Marni She was one
OF the most sought after OF all the young
daaghters Of the Italian princes. He was
put one OF many to ask OF her father mar.
mission to pay court to her, and was one
on the rev to whom the aristocratic and
naughty prince gave his consent.
me beautiful Countess was romantic.
Her father was indulgent. So there vera
many promenades, forbidden to most an.
seged couples in the ultra Conventional
% " 10 OF Italian mobiles. about the grounds
,ad .me e Ghs,se Marini; Teteatete prone
'"usS aions no@er-bordered paths and