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' 240 WILD MARGARET.
~ he smoked on comfortably and devoted his attention to
the crowd. Presently a servant came from the room be- .
hind them, and-handed a card on a salver.
The countess took it languidly.
‘* What a nuisance people are! Did you say that we
were not at home?”’
‘*'Yes, my lady,’’ said the footman; ‘‘ but his highness
wrote on the card, my lady.”’
‘* His highness!’ exclaimed Violet contemptuously.
‘*Hvery second man one meets in Italy is a count or a
prince! What is it he has written, Austin? Your Italian
is better than mine.”
Austin Ambrose took the ecard.
‘‘ This is not Italian, it is English,’’ he said. ‘‘ ‘ Prince
Rivani begs the honor of the Earl of Ferrers’ presence at a
conversazione. Palace Augustus, this evening at ten
o’clock.’”? “
‘‘T thought it was understood that we did not visit?’’
said Violet languidly. ‘‘Why do people bother us?
Pringe Rivani! This is the second time he has left his
card. . .
‘‘ His highness is very attentive, at any rate,’’ said
- Austin Ambrose. ‘‘ Shall you go?” .
‘Seeing that I am not asked,” said Violet, ‘‘it is not
very probable.”
‘Oh, I expect it is one of those gatherings which these
Italians delight in: a little music, a little weak lemonade,
and mild tobacco. Blair might like to go.”
‘“‘ Here is Blair to answer for himself,’ said Violet, as
Blair strode on to the balcony.
‘* What is it?’ he said. looking from one to the other.
‘Only an invitation,’ replied Austin Ambrose., ‘I
don't suppose you would care for it. You will be bored to
eath.
‘** Prince Rivani.’ He called theother day,”’ said Blair
thoughtfully, as he leant over the balcony. “‘ Would you
care to go, Violet?”
‘I am not invited,’’ she said impatiently. ‘‘Don’t you
see 1t mentions you only?’ |
_ ‘Ah, yes, a bachelor’s party,” said Blair. ‘I may g0;
it is a lovely day. I have been on the hills, and—Ah!”
he exclaimed, and he leant over the balcony with a sudden
appearance of interest.
Austin Ambrose glided to his side.
‘“ What is the matter? Is it anything wonderful?” said
the countess, and she rose from the couch and looked over.
Blair bit his lip.
“It is nothing,” he said, ‘‘I thought I saw someone I
knew.” OO