Alpha Book

"The fact is, in countries where the tiger walks abroad, the women are
generally brunettes."
"I hate facts. You who are enthusiastic, can you not help us?" She
turned to Orsino.
"Am I enthusiastic?"
"Yes, I am sure of it. Think of something."
Orsino was not pleased. He would have preferred to be thought cold and
impassive.
"What can I say? The first idea was the best. Get a lion instead of a
tiger--nothing is simpler."
"For my part I prefer the damask cloak and the original picture," said
Gouache with decision. "All this mythology is too complicated--too
Pompeian--how shall I say? Besides there is no distinct allusion. A
Hercules on a bracket--anybody may have that. If you were the Marchessa
di San Giacinto, for instance--oh, then everyone would laugh."
"Why? What is that?"
"She married my cousin," said Orsino. "He is an enormous giant, and they
say that she has tamed him."
"Ah no! That would not do. Something else, please."
Orsino involuntarily thought of a sphynx as he looked at the massive
brow, the yellow, sleepy eyes, and the heavy mouth.


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