Alpha Book

You will forgive me, Eccellenza, I
am sure."
Orsino stared at the woman for some seconds in blank astonishment. She
smiled in a placid, self-confident way.
"You mean that Madame d'Aranjuez is--mentally deranged, and that you are
her keeper? It is a little hard to believe, I confess."
"Would you like to see my certificates, Signor Principe? Or the written
directions of the doctors? I am sure you are discreet."
"I have no right to see anything of the kind," answered Orsino coldly.
"Of course, if you are acting under instructions it is no concern of
mine."
He would have gone forward, but she suddenly produced a small bit of
note-paper, neatly folded, and offered it to him.
"I thought you might like to know where we are until we return," she
said, continuing to speak in a very low voice. "It is the address."
Orsino made an impatient gesture. He was on the point of refusing the
information which he had not taken the trouble to ask of Maria Consuelo
herself. But he changed his mind and felt in his pocket for something to
give the woman.


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