papa and Fernando would fight a duel. Papa has a livery business--in
P'kipsee, you know.

"Finally, papa came around all right, and said we might be married next
spring. Fernando showed him proofs of his title and wealth, and then
went over to Italy to get the castle fixed up for us. Papa's very
proud, and when Fernando wanted to give me several thousand dollars for
my trousseau he called him down something awful. He wouldn't even let
me take a ring or any presents from him. And when Fernando sailed I
came to the city and got a position as cashier in a candy store.

"Three days ago I got a letter from Italy, forwarded from P'kipsee,
saying that Fernando had been killed in a gondola accident.

"That is why I am in mourning. My heart, Mr. Donovan, will remain
forever in his grave. I guess I am poor company, Mr. Donovan, but I
can not take any interest in no one. I should not care to keep you
from gaiety and your friends who can smile and entertain you. Perhaps
you would prefer to walk back to the house?"

Now, girls, if you want to observe a young man hustle out after a pick
and shovel, just tell him that your heart is in some other fellow's
grave. Young men are grave-robbers by nature. Ask any widow.
Something must be done to restore that missing organ to weeping girls
in _crepe de Chine_. Dead men certainly got the worse of it from all
sides.

"I'm awful sorry," said Mr. Donovan gently. "No, we won't walk back to
the house just yet. And don't say you haven't no friends in this city,
Miss Conway. I'm awful sorry, and I want you to believe I'm your
friend, and that I'm awful sorry."

"I've got his picture here in my locket," said Miss Conway, after
wiping her eyes with her handkerchief. "I never showed it to anybody,
but I will to you, Mr. Donovan, because I believe you to be a true
friend."

Mr. Donovan gazed long and with much interest at the photograph in the
locket that Miss Conway opened for him. The face of Count Mazzini was
one to command interest. It was a smooth, intelligent, bright, almost
a handsome face--the face of a strong, cheerful man who might well be a
leader among his fellows.

"I have a larger one, framed, in my room," said Miss Conway. "When we
return I will show you that. They are all I have to remind me of
Fernando. But he ever will be present in my heart, that's a sure
thing."

A subtle task confronted Mr. Donovan--that of supplanting the
unfortunate Count in the h