ght I heard Americo
coming to call us to luncheon," she said. "It must be nearly time. But
it wasn't he, after all. Yes, indeed, it is a charming photograph."
Breaking from English into French, she complimented the Stereo-Mondaine.

"Will you sell me that picture?" Vanno asked.

"But, Monsieur, it is my best. I should have to demand a good price; for
it could be produced in a journal, and I would be well paid. When the
plate of a coloured photograph is gone--biff! _all_ is gone. There is an
end."

"I will give you three louis."

The Stereo-Mondaine accepted at once, lest the Monsieur should change
his mind; and Vanno having taken the plate from him, he proceeded to
produce others.

"Nothing more, thanks--unless you have any of the same lady."

"No, unfortunately, Monsieur. She would have posed again, for she was a
most sympathetic as well as beautiful personality. But the crowd closed
around us. I may induce her to stand again, however."

"I hardly think that is likely to happen," Vanno muttered.

"Let him go into the garden, and take half a dozen of the prettiest
views--things we should like to carry away with us," the Princess said,
hastily, as if she were anxious now to be rid of her protege. "When they
are ready, he can send them to us--and the bill."

The Stereo-Mondaine was disposed of, while Angelo took the glass plate
from Vanno, and looked at the picture.

"Do you know the lady, by any chance," he asked lightly, "or did you buy
merely as an admirer of beauty?"

"I--am going to marry her, I hope," said Vanno. "We have been engaged
since last night. I came over early to tell you."

* * * * * * *

There was a pause. Each one seemed waiting for another to break the
silence. Then the cure stepped into the breach.

"I speak from knowledge when I say that the Principino's fiancee is as
good as beautiful--a most rare lady. He is to be congratulated."

"Of course we congratulate him!" Angelo said cordially. He got up and
shook hands warmly with his brother, like an Englishman: then he patted
him affectionately on the shoulder. "Dear boy," he added, "you have
given us a great surprise. But I am sure it is a happy one. And we can
feel for you because of our own happiness, which is so new: though I
think it always will be new. Can we not sympathize, Marie mia?"

"Yes," said the Princess. "Yes, of course. I congratulate you." There
was a different quality