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I thought of buying one at the Prati di Castello, but it seemed cheaper to borrow the skin of you. May I take it?" Sant' Ilario laughed. Orsino rolled up the great hide and carried it to the door. "Who is the lady, my boy?" "I never saw her before a certain Donna Maria d'Aranjuez d'Aragona. I fancy she must be a kind of cousin. Do you know anything about her?" "I never heard of such a person.
The cushion might have been bought that morning. Not a breath had tarnished the polished blade of the silver knife. A door opened softly and Orsino drew himself up as some one pushed in the heavy, vivid curtains. But it was not Madame d'Aranjuez. A small dark woman of middle age, with downcast eyes and exceedingly black hair, came forward a step.
"Yes," he added presently, "I think Madame d'Aranjuez will be quite out of danger before Christmas." Orsino was more puzzled than ever.
"It is not in my power to do any harm to Madame d'Aranjuez," he answered proudly enough, "and you ought to know that if it were, it could not possibly be in my intention. Therefore your threat is not intended for me." "Very good, Orsino. Your father would have answered like that, and you mean what you say. If I were young I think that you and I should be friends.
To Orsino's surprise, Madame d'Aranjuez blushed. He could not have told why he was pleased, nor why her change of colour seemed so unexpected. "Speaking of history," he said, after a very slight pause, "why did you thank me yesterday for having got you a card?" "Did you not speak to Gouache about it?" "I said something I forget what. Did he manage it?" "Of course. I had his wife's place.
When I was coming away her maid met me in the corridor of the hotel and told me that Madame d'Aranjuez was not quite sane, and that she, the maid, was in reality her keeper, or nurse or whatever you please to call her." Spicca laughed harshly. No one could remember to have heard him laugh many times. "Oh she said that, did she?" He seemed very much amused.
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.
But I am glad of it, my boy, very glad. She is no match for you, Orsino. I confess, I wish you would marry at once. I would like to see my great grandchildren but not Madame d'Aranjuez. A widow, too." "My father married a widow." "When you find a widow like your mother, and ten years younger than yourself, marry her if you can. But not Madame d'Aranjuez older than you by several years."
He knew at least one part of the meaning which showed Spicca's remorse for having killed Aranjuez, and he knew that the old man meant what he said, and meant it from his heart. "Do you understand me now?" asked Spicca, slowly inhaling the smoke of his cigarette. "Not altogether. If you desire the happiness of Madame d'Aranjuez why do you wish us to fall in love with each other?
Myself and I have lived so long together that I desire a little memento of the acquaintance." "You can afford to speak lightly of what is so precious to others," said Gouache, gallantly. Madame d'Aranjuez sank into the carved chair Orsino had occupied. "This dear Gouache he is charming, is he not?" she said with a little laugh. Orsino looked at her.
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