Alpha Book

"
"No doubt," said Orsino, who was not very much interested.
"Yes. You have only to give the pieces the names of men and women you
know, and to call the pawns society--you will see how very like real
life chess can be. The king and queen on each side are a married couple.
Of course, the object of each queen is to get the other king, and all
her friends help her--knights, bishops, rooks and her set of society
pawns. Very like real life, is it not? Wait till you are married."
Spicca smiled grimly and took more wine.
"There at least you have no personal experience," objected Orsino.
But Spicca only smiled again, and vouchsafed no answer.
"Is Madame d'Aranjuez coming back next winter?" asked the young man.
"Madame d'Aranjuez will probably come back, since she is free to consult
her own tastes," answered Spicca gravely.
"I hope she may be out of danger by that time," said Orsino quietly. He
had resolved upon a bolder attack than he had hitherto made.
"What danger is she in now?" asked Spicca quietly.


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