tgomery Brewster had had any misgivings about his ability to
dispose of the balance of his fortune they were dispelled very soon
after his party landed in the Riviera. On the pretext that the yacht
required a thorough "house cleaning" Brewster transferred his guests to
the hotel of a fascinating village which was near the sea and yet quite
out of the world. The place was nearly empty at the time, and the
proprietor wept tears of joy when Monty engaged for his party the
entire first floor of the house with balconies overlooking the blue
Mediterranean and a separate dining-room and salon. Extra servants were
summoned, and the Brewster livery was soon a familiar sight about the
village. The protests of Peggy and the others were only silenced when
Monty threatened to rent a villa and go to housekeeping.

The town quickly took on the appearance of entertaining a royal
visitor, and a number of shops were kept open longer than usual in the
hope that their owners might catch some of the American's money. One
morning Philippe, the hotel proprietor, was trying to impress Brewster
with a gesticulatory description of the glories of the Bataille de
Fleurs. It seemed quite impossible to express the extent of his regret
that the party had not arrived in time to see it.

"This is quite another place at that time," he said ecstatically.
"C'est magnifique! c'est superbe! If monsieur had only seen it!"

"Why not have another all to ourselves?" asked Monty. But the
suggestion was not taken seriously.

Nevertheless the young American and his host were in secret session for
the rest of the morning, and when the result was announced at luncheon
there was general consternation. It appeared that ten days later
occurred the fete day of some minor saint who had not for years been
accorded the honor of a celebration. Monty proposed to revive the
custom by arranging a second carnival.

"You might just as well not come to the Riviera at all," he explained,
"if you can't see a carnival. It's a simple matter, really. I offer one
price for the best decorated carriage and another to the handsomest
lady. Then every one puts on a domino and a mask, throws confetti at
every one else, and there you are."

"I suppose you will have the confetti made of thousand franc notes, and
offer a house and lot as a prize." And Bragdon feared that his sarcasm
was almost insulting.

"Really, Monty, the scheme is ridiculous," said DeMille, "the police
won't allow i