Alpha Book

"For my part, I am more inclined to fear the woman of many."
"Do you read much, my dear Consuelo?" asked Donna Tullia, laughing.
"Perpetually."
"And is Don Orsino afraid of you?"
"Mortally," answered Orsino. "Madame d'Aranjuez knows everything."
"Is she blue, then?" asked Donna Tullia.
"What shall I say, Madame?" inquired Orsino, turning to Maria Consuelo.
"Is it a compliment to compare you to the sky of Italy?"
"For blueness?"
"No--for brightness and serenity."
"Thanks. That is pretty. I accept."
"And have you nothing for me?" asked Donna Tullia, with an engaging
smile.
The other two looked at Orsino, wondering what he would say in answer to
such a point-blank demand for flattery.
"Juno is still Minerva's ally," he said, falling back upon mythology,
though it struck him that Del Ferice would make a poor Jupiter, with his
fat white face and dull eyes.
"Very good!" laughed Donna Tullia. "A little classic, but I pressed you
hard. You are not easily caught. Talking of clever men," she added with
another meaning glance at Orsino, "I met your friend to-day, Consuelo.


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