Evening star., 1928-03-18
A REGULAR FELLOW
BY Royal Broun

toria chose to live in America. Shc
didn't. Nor Gid her mother. They
would have preferred to live abroad
But Samuel Middletown emphatically
preferred not to.
Which had ended the matter for him
But not for Victoria.
II don't see why his wishes should
rule you" Victoria had said to her
mother And It does seem that you
owe something to me-"
Her mother knew what she meant
Abroad, Victoria had never lacked for
attentions Both French count and
a Russian prince had been obviously
much intrigued by Victoria--or, at least.
by something about her. To Mrs Middle
town 1t had been made clear that Vic
toria could either be countess In
France or princess In Russia. She
had been dazzlcd yet kept her head.
Europe is full OF pcnnless advcn-
turerS," she had reminded herself fear
fully. One should make investigations
first"
THE trouble was that she did not
know how to set about invcstigat-
ing. AS result, both suitors. left
desolate, had murmured something
about coming to America, So Mrs.
Middletown. swelling with pride, had
reported to her husband He had
always been partial to Sally. and 1t
had been her chance to make him sec
that half the nobility OF Europe--this
being the impression she gave-admired
Victoria beyond words.
But Mr.. Middletown's reaction was
purely personal. He had visions OF the
hnit t.,ft1 \,
After time. he rested easier.
Il guess they couldn't dig up the
price Of trip over" he told Sally, in
his crude American way
or course, Victoria and her mother
had been abroad since Enough to real
ize what could be accomplished there.
This was always in their thought and
1t was that to which Victoria referred
this June morning
Mrs. Middletown hesitated. Then her
lips set uncompromisingly. Il Shall at
least, offer this place for sale" she an
nounced. 1T has become impossible
thanks to your father We will 60
abroad for an indefinite period. He, of
course. will stay In America" She rose.
Il will speak TO him now--at once" she
promised.
But that proved impossible. MIR. Mid
dletown. she discovered, had gone Oft
with Sally. They were not present at
luncheon or during the afternoon. and
dinner was being served when they fin-
ally appeared
Il have decided" said Mrs. Middle
town at once. to close this place and
offer it for sale"
What's that" gaSped her husband.
Victoria and I will spend the Sum
mer - and probably the Winter --
abroad" she went on. as incxorable as
the Delphic sibyl. Our plans are un-
certain and assumed that you and
Sally would not care to keep this place
up Just for yourselves"
You said mouthftl" approved he
cordially "All I ask" he plunged on
sis that you don't let Victoria
get married to one of those foreign
dukes or princes. Z"
He stopped, conscious OF gathering
electricity. And forkcd lightning would
have iashed at him had not the butler
entered at the moment.
The MarcheSe della Fiuggi." he an
nounced, as II savoring the title. pre-
sents his compliments and wishes TO
ask if"
The Marckese iella--della wha.?"
gasped Mrs. Middetown
She rose automatically. missing the
coid diSapproFal ln the butlerS eyes as
her own questioned Victorias. She had
no memory OF any Marchese della any
thing met abroad. but surely
Il guess" her husband announced, In
the placatory tone that prcsaged fear
OF punishment, he kind of wants to
speak to me. Emmeline''
To youl" she snorted What on
earth makes you think
Well, you see. Emmclne." he ex-
planned. Its that young fcller that was
here with the glider this morning He's
sort of markayzay something or other,
and just called him Mark. for short
as told YOU
II u
THE butler cleared his throat aus
= terely The Marchese della Fiuegi."
he announced. In the chiiliest tone al
his command wishes 10 know II he
may speak TO Miss Sally"
Toto Sally7" murmured her moth
er dazedly.
They all looked at Sally,
Tell the marchese that I'm busy
lust now" she retorted coolly. But. II
K T