Alfonso in his joy had almost forgotten his friend Leo, but apologizing, he introduced him, first to his mother, then to Gertrude and finally to his sister Lucille, and their father.  All seemed glad to meet their son’s friend, as he was to take passage in the same steamer for his home near Rome.

Leo Colonna was connected with the famous Colonna family of Italy.  From childhood he had had access to the best schools and galleries of his peninsular country.  He also had studied under the best masters in Paris and Berlin, and was especially fond of flesh coloring and portrait painting.  He had studied anatomy, and had taken a diploma as surgeon in the best medical college in Vienna, merely that he might know the human form.  Alfonso, aware of all this, had invited Leo to join their party in making the tour over Ireland, England, and through the Netherlands.

As Lucille left the car, Leo offered aid, taking her blue silk umbrella with its wounded-oak handle, the whole rolled as small as a cane.  Lucille never appeared to better advantage.  She was tall, slender, and graceful.  Excitement had tinged her cheeks and lips, and her whole face had a child’s smooth, pink complexion.  Wavy black hair and blue eyes revealed the Irish blood that had come from the mother’s veins.  She wore a traveling suit of navy-blue serge.  Her hat, of latest style, was made of black velvet, steel ornaments, and ostrich tips.  What artist could resist admiring a woman so fair and commanding!  The dark eyes of Leo had met those of Lucille, and he at once had surrendered.  In fact, a formidable rival had now conquered Leo’s heart.

Together they led the way to the front entrance of the station, while Harris senior delayed a moment to exhibit the car “Alfonso” to his son.  “I had this private car built,” said the father, “that the Harris family might be exclusive.  Napoleon once said:—­’Let me be seen but three times at the theatre, and I shall no longer excite attention.’  Our car is adapted for service on any standard gauge road, so that we can travel in privacy throughout the United States.  You notice that this observation room is furnished in quartered English oak, and has a luxurious sofa and arm chairs.  Let us step back.  Here on the right are state and family rooms finished in mahogany; each room has a connecting toilet room, with wash stand and bath room, hot and cold water being provided, also mirrors, wardrobe and lockers.  The parlor or dining room is eighteen feet long and the extension table will seat twelve persons.  Here also is a well selected library and writing desk.”

“But where is the kitchen?” asked Alfonso.

“Beyond,” said the father.  “The pantry, china closet, and kitchen are finished in black walnut.  Blankets, linen, and tableware are of best quality.  Here are berths for attendants and porter’s room for baggage.  Carpets, rugs, draperies, and upholstery were especially imported to harmonize.  Nobody amounts to much in these days, Alfonso, unless he owns a private car or a steam yacht.  Henceforth this car, named in your honor, may play an important part in the history of the Harris family.”