Page:Frank Owen - The Actress.djvu/63

Rh "Quite romantic," he observed. "It appears like the seed of a dormant romance."

"Every form of human life is romantic," quoth the other, settling back comfortably among the cushions, "but it takes a good eye to find the romance in it."

"Romance is the brother of Adventure. I have known the latter many years. Don't you think it would be a good idea to introduce me to the other member of the family?"

"You would have me take you to the Isle of Constantine?" burst out the Jew in great astonishment.

"Yes, to Berenice, the Mistress of the Island."

The little man paled discernably. "By the God that placed us both upon this earth, it is impossible," he said, trembling slightly. "I cannot. It would be dangerous, it might mean death."

"For me?"

"For every one of us."

"And Berenice?"

"Her fate would be the same as ours."

"That ends it. I am going with you!"

"Fool!"

Anniston lifted his eyebrows and his jaw grew firm. "In sooth, I may be as you term me," he said angrily, "but I do not like to be reminded of the unpleasant fact too frequently, unless it be done in jest."

"I meant no offence," assured the other. "I did but speak the truth."

"As you yourself have construed it. It would not do for us all to have uniformity of opinion."