Not a word was heard from anyone in Mr. Fabian’s party, but when a Marquis of France challenged a handsome young nobleman of Italy to a duel over a lovely English girl, and the father of the handsome Italian youth intercepted, the girls in Mr. Fabian’s gondola laughed hysterically. Even Mr. Fabian had to smile.
It was most exciting to watch the two handsome young men they had known in everyday life, now play the leads in this Motion Picture Play. The Count was exceptionally good in playing his part, while the good looks of the two young men made up for any shortcomings in their acting.
“Well, that explains everything!” sighed Mr. Alexander, as the audience in the gondolas were allowed to travel onwards along the Canal.
“Oh, but I can’t believe those nice young men really have no titles!” cried Mrs. Alexander, tears of vexation filling her eyes.
“They have! Didn’t you see for yourself, Maggie?” laughed her husband. “Alan is the heir to the Count’s title, and Basil is a Marquis.”
“I wonder if their fancy names are only for stage use?” said Polly, smiling at the way everyone had been hoaxed.
“Sure! I know their real names,” returned Mr. Alexander, triumphantly. “I knew them before tonight, and I told Mr. Fabian, diden’ I, Fabian?”
“Yes, we know both their reel names,” laughed Mr. Fabian.
“Do tell us who they are? Maybe we’ve seen them at home,” said Eleanor.
“Well, one is Albert Brown and t’other is B. Smith. Both are from the States, and that one from Californy is likely from Hollywood, where this Comp’ny hails from,” chuckled Mr. Alexander.