"THE EARL OF OSTEND."

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 86, 4 January 1908, Page 10

"THE EARL OF OSTEND."

An-amusing story of a practical, played-on two American, ladies, who camo to Europe to make tho acquaintance of "nobility," is told in tho Paria edition'of tho "Now York Horald."

Tho ladios wero a young girl and her mother, who "did" Europo An tho usual way—a few days in London, and then a woek or two in Paris to buy tho latest "creations," and, if possible, to find a marquis or a count for tho daughter. So thoy stayed at tho Carlton, and waited to bo introduced to dukes. They mot thero an Amorican theatrical manager, and they asked him, as an old friend, to introduce them to peoplo of pedigree. Tho manager tried to explain that ho did not know a singlo lord, even by sight, but tho ladies would not accept his excuses, and thought it wa.s "real moan"'- of him to olfer thorn.

110 met ,t.hat oveaing, however, a bright young music-hall artist, who was clovor at impersonations. "What's tho matter with' mo, if you Want a duko?" ho askod. ..tho manager..'/---"Just introduce- mo" as tho Earl of Ostond, and your frionds will think it ono of. tho oldest families in England."-.

This was agreed to. Tho artist, according to tho "Now York Herald," . woto his clothes well, talked "la.rgo," and enthralled tho ladies' with stories of his estates and his picturo galleries, containing many "old daubs" that American millionaries had tried in vain to buy.

"It's-such a pity you aro going to Paris to-morrow," ho said. "You ought to como up to my placo and have a week's hunting" —in July! ..

Tho ladios folt it nocossary to explain that thoir plans worn inoxorablo, and so they started for Paris next morning. When thoy arrived thero thoy decided that, tho "Karl's" invitation was too golden an opportunity to let slip, and they wired to the theatrical nra.nagor, "Plans changed. Return'next train to rejoin Karl. Toll him." ' Thoy'came back as quickl.v as thoy could, and \voro naturally very furious at learning the joko that had been played on them. They took tho next steamer back to New Y<kL