Alpha Book

Orsino was already bowing before her. Instead of giving her
hand she rose quickly and led him towards the door. He opened it and
they stood together on the threshold.
"Is this the way you help me?" she asked, almost fiercely, though in a
whisper.
"Why do you receive him at all?" he inquired, instead of answering.
"Because I cannot refuse."
"But you might send him away?"
She hesitated, and looked into his eyes.
"Shall I?"
"If you wish to be alone--and if you can. It is no affair of mine."
She turned swiftly, leaving Orsino standing in the door and went to
Spicca's side. He had risen when she rose and was standing at the other
side of the room, watching.
"I have a bad headache," she said coldly. "You will forgive me if I ask
you to go with Don Orsino."
"A lady's invitation to leave her house, Madame, is the only one which a
man cannot refuse," said Spicca gravely.
He bowed and followed Orsino out of the room, closing the door behind
him. The scene had produced a very disagreeable impression upon Orsino.


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