Orsino only admitted the possibility of her actually going away while
believing in his heart that she would remain. He slowly retraced his
steps, and it was seven o'clock before he asked the hotel porter by what
train Madame d'Aranjuez was leaving. The porter did not know whether the
lady was going north or south, but he called another man, who went in
search of a third, who disappeared for some time.
"Is it sure that Madame d'Aranjuez goes to-night?" asked Orsino trying
to look indifferent.
"Quite sure. Her rooms will be free to-morrow."
Orsino turned away and slowly paced up and down the marble pavement
between the tall plants, waiting for the messenger to come back.
"Madame d'Aranjuez leaves at nine forty-five," said the man, suddenly
reappearing.
Orsino hesitated a moment, and then made up his mind.
"Ask Madame if she will receive me for a moment," he said, producing a
card.
The servant went away and again Orsino walked backwards and forwards,
pale now and very nervous. She was really going, and was going
north--probably to Paris.
Pages:
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608