human
Well, noble concierge? inquired La Signorina.
gpt
Why, you look as if you were the bearer of ill-tidings.
human
Perhaps I am, said O'Mally. He tossed his cap on the stones and sat down with Smith on the iron bench.
gpt
No, no tea, thank you. What I need is a glass, a whole glass, of good Irish whisky. This thing has been on my mind since noon, but I concluded to wait rather than spoil the whole day. I should have known nothing about it if it hadn't been for old Pietro.
human
What has happened?
gpt
Enough, said O'Mally laconically. He directed his next words to La Signorina.
human
You are sure of this friend of yours, the princess?
gpt
Certainly,
human
She gave you the right authority?
gpt
Absolutely,
human
Agreed that we could remain here as long as we pleased?
gpt
Yes, yes!
human
Well, before I swing the thunder, let me tell you something, said O'Mally.
gpt
I was in Florence a few days ago. I made some inquiries.
human
About my friend the princess?
gpt
Yes. It was impertinent, I know. I interviewed four or five hotel concierges. Only one of them ever heard of the name; and then it was an old prince, not a woman. This concierge directed me to another, but as he spoke only Italian, we could not make things fit. But when I mentioned the princess' name, he shrugged and laughed, as if something highly amusing had hit him.
human
Go on, Mr. O'Mally; go on. This is interesting. Your doubt is not at all complimentary to me. The police have recognized my authority.
gpt
And that's what feazes me. But the main thing is this: your princess has played us all rather a shabby trick. In the letter you read to us in Venice she said that she had never visited this villa.
human
Only in her youth, replied La Signorina, her brows drawing together in a frown.
gpt
But I know her so well; she is not in the habit of making misstatements. To the point at once. What has happened to bring about all this pother?
human
It is simply this: our little jig is up, responded O'Mally.
gpt
Read these and see for yourself.
human
Our little jig is up. Read these and see for yourself.