The Malacia Tapestry Read Free Page B

I knew well, Kemperer was whisking about the room with La Singla and a manservant in pursuit, preparing to venture out. I took the opportunity to pull my provisions from their hiding-place and have a bite.
    When he had his wig in place and the servant was helping him struggle into his coat, Kemperer glanced suspiciously at me and said, ‘You understand what I say, de Chirolo? You shall play Albrizzi at the de Lambant-Orini marriage ceremonies, but, while Byzantium is in such a bad way, engagements are few and far between, so it’s no good your hanging about my doors hoping for favours.’
    â€˜Then I’ll stay and coax La Singla in her part as Heda,’ I said, taking up his prompt book where it lay open on a sofa.
    He flew into a tiny rage, snatching the book from me. ‘You’ll coax her in none of her parts. Show her impeccable respect and that’s enough. You young nincompoops, think yourselves bucks, trying to spoil the peace of mind of my dear wife! You’ll come with me. I’m not leaving you loose in my house.’
    Drawing myself up, I said, ‘I shall be happy to accompany you, Maestro, since to be seen walking with you can but increase my reputation – provided I understand correctly that you cast no slur on my unsullied regard for La Singla, the great actress of our day.’
    Mollified, but still given to the odd mutter, he seized my arm before I could take elaborate farewells of his wife, and led me across the courtyard – glancing neither right nor left, not even to take in Albert, who set up a forlorn chattering at the sight of his master.
    When the gate closed behind us, and we stood in the street, I asked him which way he was going.
    â€˜Which way are you going, de Chirolo?’ He always had a suspicious nature.
    I pointed hopefully north towards St Braggart’s, thinking that he would have to turn south to get to the Arena, where the jousts were held in time of festival.
    â€˜I go the other way,’ he said, ‘and so must deprive myself of your company. What a loss, dear, dear! Remember now – nothing happening until Albrizzi, unless I have you sent for. Don’t hang about. And don’t imagine I like an idle season any more than you do, but in the summer the grand families go away to the country. Besides, there’s a confounded Ottoman army marching about somewhere near Malacia, and that’s always bad for theatre. Anything’s bad for the theatre.’
    â€˜I look forward to our next meeting,’ I said.
    We bowed to each other.
    He stood where he was, feet planted firm on the ground, arms folded, watching me walk to the corner and turn it. As I turned, I glanced back to see him still observing me. He waved a mocking farewell, dismissing me with every bone in his skeletal wrist. Once round the corner, I hid behind the pillars of the first doorway I came to, and there I waited, peeping out to see what happened. As I expected, Kemperer appeared round the corner himself. Looking foxy, he scanned the street. When he had made sure it was clear, he muttered to himself and disappeared again.
    Giving him time to get well away, I retraced my steps, to present myself once more at his gate. I rang the bell, and was soon admitted into the sunny presence of La Singla.
    Since I left her a few minutes before, she had thrown a robe of blue silk over her flowing night garments, but could not be said to be any more dressed than before. Her hair still lay on her shoulders, golden. Ribbons fluttered about her person as she moved.
    She sat at the table, daintily holding a coffee cup to her lips.
    â€˜Remember, I must show you my impeccable respect,’ I told her.
    â€˜And much else besides, I expect,’ she murmured, glancing down at the white cloth on the table, thus giving me the advantage of her long lashes.
    Bounding forward, I knelt beside her chair and kissed her hand. She bade me rise. I crushed her to me, until I felt the