Countess and lover go for a drive

September 17, 1905

The Countess of Montignoso and Sgr Toselli "drove away from their hotel this morning in a hansom" and only returned later in the evening, according to the New York Times.

The Countess, who is the former Crown Princess of Saxony, and Toselli, an Italian pianist, are expected to marry shortly, by Special License.

When they returned to the hotel, they went straight to their rooms and did not speak to anyone. Since their arrival, the Countess and Toselli have received no correspondence or visitors. It is believed that the Countess was able to keep her whereabouts a secret, even from her lawyer.

The Countess has no pressing need for money as this morning she changed a thousand lira note into sterling, "which she carefully counted and placed in a silver handbag." It appears that the Countess is managing the business affairs for herself and for Toselli, who is said to be "penniless."

She continues to receive an annuity of $9000 a year from the Saxon court, but this appanage will cease when she remarries. When they arrived at the hotel, the Countess, who speaks perfect English, made all the arrangements. She asked for an apartment in the hotel and was told that the rate was 18 shillings. She responded that the price was too high. She was able to obtain another apartment in the hotel for 15 shillings. She turned to Toselli, and told him, in Italian, that "she had struck a bargain."

The couple are using an assumed name. The New York Times did not name the hotel where they are staying.