Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/59



's this? treason, an ambush!" exclaimed Kehlmark, assuming a puzzled air.

"Our young people of the guild of St. Cecile, our Harmonic Society, who come to bid you welcome, Count," the farmer of Les Pèlerins explained with ceremony.

Kehlmark's eyes flashed furtively:

"Another time, I will show you my studio. Let us go and receive them," he said, turning back and hastening down the grand staircase, happy enough, it seemed, at this diversion, which caused the crafty Claudie however to fret inwardly.

The Govaertzes and the others followed him downstairs into the extensive orange-house, the large glass doors of which had been opened by order of the still invisible Blandine.

The musicians of the guild had drawn themselves up in a half-circle at the foot of the flight of steps. They blew with all the force of their lungs into the wide-bellied