Alpha Book

She received him in a room not very
different from the one of which she had had made her sitting-room during
the winter. As always, one or two new books and the mysterious silver
paper cutter were the only objects of her own which were visible. Orsino
hardly noticed the fact, however, for she was already in the room when
he entered, and his eyes met hers at once.
He fancied that she looked less strong than formerly, but the heat was
great and might easily account for her pallor. Her eyes were deeper, and
their tawny colour seemed darker. Her hand was cold.
She smiled faintly as she met Orsino, but said nothing and sat down at a
distance from the windows.
"I only heard last night that you were in Rome," he said.
"And you came at once to see me. Thanks. How did you find it out?"
"Spicca told me. I had asked him for news of you."
"Why him?" inquired Maria Consuelo with some curiosity.
"Because I fancied he might know," answered Orsino passing lightly over
the question. He did not wish even Maria Consuelo to guess that Spicca
had spoken of her to him.


Pages:
454 455 456 457 458 459 460 461 462 463 464 465 466 467 468 469 470 471 472 473 474 475 476 477 478