Alpha Book

You see the baker died
unexpectedly. One must live somehow."
"And could you not--how shall I say? Would you not be willing to give me
lessons in book-keeping instead of teaching some one else to play the
mandolin?"
"You would not care to learn the mandolin yourself, Signor Principe? It
is a very pretty instrument, especially for country parties, as well as
for serenading."
Orsino laughed. He did not see himself in the character of a
mandolinist.
"I have not the slightest ear for music," he answered. "I would much
rather learn something about business."
"It is less amusing," said Andrea Contini regretfully.
"But I am at your service. I will come to the office when work is over
and we will do the accounts together. You will learn in that way very
quickly."
"Thank you. I suppose we must have an office. It is necessary, is it
not?"
"Indispensable--a room, a garret--anything. A habitation, a legal
domicile, so to say."
"Where do you live, Signor Contini? Would not your lodging do?"
"I am afraid not, Signor Principe.


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