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"Which reminds me," said the little lady, "where is Donna Ro Rolishman

"Santo Dio! the man doesn't know Donna Roma!"

The white plumes bobbed up, the powdered face fell back, the little

twinkling eyes closed, and the coia

"Donna Ro Roman, "is a type of the fair

lady who has appeared in the history of every nation since the days of

Helen of Troy"

"Has a woman of this type, then, identified herself with the story of

Rolish Roman smiled

"Why did the Prime Minister appoint so-and-so?--Donna Roma! Why did he

dismiss such-and-such?--Donna Roma! What feminine influence ih whom come titles,

decorations, honours?--Donna Roma! Who pacifies intractable politicians

and makes them the devoted followers of the Ministers?--Donna Roreat charitable committees, collects funds and

distributes them?--Donna Roma! Always, always Donna Roma!"

"So the day of the petticoat politician is not over in Italy yet?"

"Over? It will only end with the last truht play of grace and a whole artillery of love

in her lovely eyes, she only intoxicates a great capital and"--with a

glance towards the curtained door--"takes captive a great Minister"

"Just that," and the white plumes bobbed up and down

"Hence she defies conventions, and no one dares to question her actions