Alpha Book

"Where did you learn that?"
"At your feet, Madame. The contemplation of great masterpieces enlarges
the intelligence and deepens the power of expression."
"And I am a masterpiece--of what? Of art? Of caprice? Of consistency?"
"Of nature," answered Orsino promptly.
Again Maria Consuelo laughed a little, at the mere quickness of the
answer. Orsino was delighted with himself, for he fancied he was leading
her rapidly away from the dangerous ground upon which she had been
trying to force him. But her next words showed him that he had not yet
succeeded.
"Who will make me laugh during all these months!" she exclaimed with a
little sadness.
Orsino thought she was strangely obstinate, and wondered what she would
say next.
"Dear me, Madame," he said, "if you are so kind as to laugh at my poor
wit, you will not have to seek far to find some one to amuse you
better!"
He knew how to put on an expression of perfect simplicity when he
pleased, and Maria Consuelo looked at him, trying to be sure whether he
were in earnest or not.


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