In the mean time, I must use up my
present moment. Can you give me the address of Vincent Beratinsky?"
She wrote it down for him; it was a number in Oxford Street.
"Now I will add my excuses to those of the tall Englishman," said he,
rising. "Good-night, madame. Good-night, mademoiselle--truly, it is a
folly to call you the little Natalushka, who are taller than your
beautiful mother. But it was the little Natalushka I was thinking about
for many a year. Good-night, wicked little one, with your secrets!"
He kissed her hand, bowed once more to the little Polish lady, and left.
When, after considerable difficulty--for he was exceedingly
near-sighted--he made out the number in Oxford Street, he found another
caller just leaving. This stranger glanced at him, and instantly said,
in a low voice,
"The night is dark, brother."
Calabressa started; but the other gave one or two signs that reassured
him.
"I knew you were in London, signore, and I recognized you; we have your
photograph in Lisle Street. My name is Reitzei--"
"Ah!" Calabressa exclaimed, with a new interest, as he looked at the
pallid-faced young man.
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