ill for assistance, and together they superintended
an arrangement which curtained off a large part of the place and
reduced it to livable proportions. With the flowers and the lights, the
tapestries and the great faded flags, it became something quite
different from the usual empty theater.

To the consternation of the Italians, the work had been rushed, and it
was on the evening after their arrival in Milan that Brewster conducted
his friends in state to the Scala. It was almost a triumphal progress,
for he had generously if unwittingly given the town the most princely
sensation in years, and curiosity was abundant. Mrs. Valentine, who was
in the carriage with Monty, wondered openly why they were attracting so
much attention.

"They take us for American dukes and princesses," explained Monty.
"They never saw a white man before."

"Perhaps they expected us to ride on buffaloes," said Mrs. Dan, "with
Indian captives in our train."

"No," "Subway" Smith protested, "I seem to see disappointment in their
faces. They are looking for crowns and scepters and a shower of gold
coin. Really, Monty, you don't play the game as you should. Why, I
could give you points on the potentate act myself. A milk-white steed,
a few clattering attendants in gorgeous uniforms, a lofty nod here and
there, and little me distributing silver in the rear."

"I wonder," exclaimed Mrs. Dan, "if they don't get tired now and then
of being potentates. Can't you fancy living in palaces and longing for
a thatched cottage?"

"Easily," answered "Subway," with a laugh. "Haven't we tried it
ourselves? Two months of living upon nothing but fatted calves is more
than I can stand. We shall be ready for a home for dyspeptics if you
can't slow down a bit, Monty."

Whereupon Mrs. Dan evolved a plan, and promptly began to carry it out
by inviting the crowd to dinner the next night. Monty protested that
they would be leaving Milan in the afternoon, and that this was
distinctly his affair and he was selfish.

But Mrs. Dan was very sure. "My dear boy, you can't have things your
own way every minute. In another month you will be quite spoiled.
Anything to prevent that. My duty is plain. Even if I have to use
heroic measures, you dine with me to-morrow."

Monty recognized defeat when he met it, and graciously accepted her
very kind invitation. The next moment they drew up at the opera house
and were ushered in with a deference accorded only to wealth. The
spl