Page:The Saint (1906, G. P. Putnam's Sons).djvu/36

2 voices of innumerable bells sang over the houses, the squares, the streets of Bruges that melancholy incantation which renders its rest eternal. Jeanne felt two cool hands upon her eyes, a wave of perfume touched her cheek, a breath stirred her hair, whispering "encore une intruse," and then soft lips kissed her. She did not seem surprised; and, raising her hand, caressed the face bending over her, saying: "Welcome, Noemi. Magari fossi tu l'Intruse," (Would that you were l'Intruse.)

Noemi failed to understand.

"Magari," she said. "Is that Italian? It sounds like Arabic. Explain at once, please."

Jeanne rose. "You would not understand any better if I did," she said with a smile. "Shall we have our Italian conversation lesson now?"

"Yes, with pleasure," answered Noemi.

"Where did you go with my brother?"

"To the Hospital of St. John, to call on Memling."

"That's all right; let us talk about Memling. But first tell me whether Carlino made you a declaration?"

The girl laughed. "Yes, he made me a declaration of war, and I did likewise to he."

"To him, you should say. I wish he would fall in love with you," added Jeanne seriously. The girl frowned.

"I do not," she said.

"Why? Is he not charming, brilliant, cultured, and distinguished? He is very wealthy too,