“Let them crash, who cares?” he said. “You’ll come to me, I know you will. I’ll call to you with music till you hear.”
CHAPTER V
Maria was still indisposed on the following day. She asked many questions about the evening before, who the guests had been, and which ones had impressed Carlota. Always her eyes sought the girl’s, testing her answers.
“I should have been happier if you had been there, tanta,” Carlota told her tenderly. “You’re not worrying still, are you? Nobody carried me away.”
Maria closed her eyes as if to shut out any telltale gleam they might have held.
“I blame myself whatever happens,” she sighed dramatically. “I should never have shown you the jewels. The ancient Hindoos are perfectly right. They claim the evil spirits, when imprisoned in the earth, produced gold and gems to ensnare the souls of mankind, especially women. Ah, mia carina, I am growing old and careless. You have made no further engagements?”
“The Marchese did not ask me to go anywhere else.” Carlota bent over a low jar of cyclamen, her face turned away.
“Assuredly not. I am an old fool. Do not speak of the jewels to anybody, not even Jacobelli. I must place them in a safety-deposit vault; not keep them here. And while I am ill, you will not walk through the Park to the studio. I prefer to have you ride always. Come here to me.” She half raised herself as Carlota knelt beside the couch, and framed her face in her palms. “You must not think I am harsh, my dearest one, or trying to keep you from pleasures you should have. It will all come to you in richest measure later on. Now we must be careful of you. You understand it is only because of our great love for you, do you not?”
“I know, surely, I understand.”
“Has no one ever spoken to you on your way to the studio?” Maria’s voice trembled with eager insistence. “Have you ever imagined you were followed? No, no, of course not. Do not be frightened at all. It is only Maria’s old love of the extravagant, the dramatic situation,” she laughed softly, sinking back. “But remember to ride always when you are alone, and speak to no one.”