The countess, listening, had not much relished
having Lucia called the “Italian signorina,”
however flatteringly, as Lucia herself had noted
by her mother's expression. Oh, yes, Countess
Coletti was making an American out of her
daughter -- _perhaps,_ Lucia thought. But the
countess had an idea.

“Rose,” she said, “how would you like to
bring your mother here and help me for a
while? You would be safe, I think, and espe-
cially if we arrange for another of your names
to be used. I suppose you have a string of them,
like most of the noble families in the old world.”

“Yes. That has been our mistake -- but we
wanted Ramon to be able to find us if he were
still alive.”

“Poor child!” cried the countess. “There are
those rooms on the third floor since Grand-
mother Ferris has gone. They are in a wing,
by themselves. I will speak to my brother about
it. The nurse and maid who took care of Madam
Ferris both wanted to leave. There is much to
be done, with her private possessions all to be
looked over; and some way I can not bear to do
it, or let careless people do it. I could use you
in many ways, Rose and we would pay you well.
Will you come?”

“Can you mean that?” Rose Sevilla was eag-

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