"
"At the time! How can matters have changed so suddenly?"
"I do not say that matters have changed. I have. That is the important
thing. I remember the occasion of our conversation very well. Madame
d'Aranjuez had been rather abrupt with, me, and you and I went away
together. I forgave her easily enough, for I saw that she was
unhappy--then I thought how different her life might be if she were
married to you. I also wished to convey to you a warning, and it did not
strike me that you would ever seriously contemplate such a marriage."
"I think you are in a certain way responsible for the present
situation," answered Orsino. "That is the reason why I come to you for
help."
Spicca turned upon the young man rather suddenly.
"There you go too far," he said. "Do you mean to tell me that you have
asked that lady to marry you because I suggested it?"
"No, but--"
"Then I am not responsible at all. Besides, you might have consulted me
again, if you had chosen. I have not been out of town. I sincerely wish
that it were possible--yes, that is quite another matter.
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