Alpha Book

As yet, however, none was visible; his cadaverous
face was as pale and quiet as ever, and his sunken eyes had their usual
expression.
"And how does your business go on, Orsino?" he asked, after a long
silence.
Orsino answered him willingly enough and gave him some account of his
doings. He grew somewhat enthusiastic as he compared his present busy
life with his former idleness.
"I like the way you did it, in spite of everybody's advice," said
Spicca, kindly. "A man who can jump through the paper ring of Roman
prejudice without stumbling must be nimble and have good legs. So
nobody gave you a word of encouragement?"
"Only one person, at first. I think you know her--Madame d'Aranjuez. I
used to see her often just at that time."
"Madame d'Aranjuez?" Spicca looked up sharply, pausing with his glass in
his hand.
"You know her?"
"Very well indeed," answered the old man, before he drank. "Tell me,
Orsino," he continued, when he had finished the draught, "are you in
love with that lady?"
Orsino was surprised by the directness of the question, but he did not
show it.


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