3 A lost handkerchief

Chapter 3 A lost handkerchief The next morning, Cassio told Desdemona his troubles. She listened gravely before answering. "Good Cassio, I'll do everything I can. Look, here comes my husband with Iago. I'll talk to him now."

"Was that Cassio?" asked Othello, as someone darted away. "Surely not," said lago. "Cassio would never steal away so guiltily." "My lord," cried Desdemona, coming up with a kiss. "Will you forgive Cassio? Call him back." "Soon, my sweet," laughed Othello. "Anything for you! But now, I must work." With a smile, Desdemona went.

Iago cleared his throat. "Does Cassio know Desdemona well?" he began. "Yes, he carried messages between us before we were married," replied Othello. "Indeed!" exclaimed Iago. "What of it?" said Othello, frowning. Iago shook his head doubtfully. "I'd better not say. I might be wrong and I don't want to make you jealous of your wife. "My wife is virtuous," warned Othello. "I won't doubt her without proof." "I've no proof," said Iago. "But she deceived her father, so she may deceive you! Take my advice, see what happens with Cassio. If she pleads too strongly..." He gave Othello a sly look, then strode off. Othello clutched his head. "I won't believe it!" "What's the matter?" asked Desdemona, coming in.

"My head hurts," he snapped. "Let me bind it," she offered, holding out her handkerchief. He pushed it away impatiently and seized her hand. "Come, let's go and eat."

The handkerchief lay forgotten on the floor, until Emilia found it. "My husband asked me to steal this," she muttered, picking it up. "Oh lago," she called. "I have something for you!" "I have something too," he sneered, looking in. "A foolish wife!" "Is that so?" snapped Emilia. "Well, what about this?" She waved the handkerchief at Iago. His eyes gleamed as he snatched it. "Why do you want it?" asked Emilia. "None of your business," growled Iago. But inwardly, he was grinning. "This is my proof," he thought. "I'll drop it in Cassio's room. The Moor is already jealous. When he sees Cassio with Desdemona's handkerchief, his blood will burn."