As though you did not know each page,
each paragraph, each word;
as though for months and months the Sanseveros,
Nina, John, and all the rest, had not been
your daily companions—
Madre Mia,
this book is dedicated
to you.


CONTENTS

CHAPTERPAGE
IPrince Sansevero Diminishes the Fortunes of His House[1]
IIThe Princess Plans to Receive the American Heiress[14]
IIINina[25]
IVThe Duke Scorpa Makes a Deal[42]
VDon Giovanni Arrives[48]
VILove, and a Garden[64]
VIIRome[72]
VIIIOpening Day at the Title Market[86]
IXA Door is Opened That Giovanni Prefers to Keep Closed[97]
XMr. Randolph Sends for John Derby[107]
XIRome Goes to the Opera[116]
XIIA Ball at Court[136]
XIIICoronets for Sale[142]
XIVApples of Sodom[157]
XVAn Opposition Booth is Set up in the Market Place[163]
XVIA Menace[173]
XVIINina Dusts Behind the Counter[192]
XVIIIFavorita Drives a Bargain[214]
XIXA Challenge, and an Answer[221]
XXHis Eminence, the Archbishop of Vencata[236]
XXIThe Sulphur Mines[246]
XXIIBefore Daylight[257]
XXIIIThe Spider's Web[269]
XXIVWeighed in the Balance[289]
XXV"Thy People Shall Be My People—"[308]


ILLUSTRATIONS

"'We of Italy,' he was saying, 'live, endure, die, if need be—always for the same reason—women and love!'" Page [65][Frontispiece]
"As she spoke, a door opened opposite, and the prince came in"Facing page [4]
"For the space of a second she faced the audience, standing still and rigid"[134]
"Nina looked at him—'I wonder if you would be amused if you knew why I laughed'"[184]
"His lips framed 'Good-by' and hers answered, both smiled brightly—and that was the parting"[232]
"'You are Americano, are you not? Your land has done much for my people!'"[239]