for certainty indeed! Noemi observed submissively that he
might have learned in three years; that the monks had their reasons for
training brothers to play the organ.

"Then you believe it too?" exclaimed Jeanne. Noemi stammered "I do not
know" so hesitatingly that Jeanne, in great agitation, declared she must
leave at once for Subiaco, that she must know the truth. She had already
promised Maria Selva to bring her sister back. She would find some means
of persuading Carlino to start immediately. Noemi was frightened. For
her own peace of mind, as well as for Don Clemente's, her brother-in-law
would not wish Jeanne Dessalle to return to Subiaco. It was Noemi's
mission to convince her of the propriety of such a renunciation. Selva
was restored to health, and had himself offered to come and meet his
sister-in-law, would even come to Belgium, were it necessary. She now
tried to oppose the idea of immediate departure; but only succeeded
in irritating Jeanne, who repeatedly protested that the Selvas were
mistaken, but was unable to give any other reason for her violent
resistance. Carlino, having caught a sharp "That is enough" uttered by
his sister, drew nearer. Were they quarrelling, the priest and the girl?
Now, when the mystical tenderness ought to begin? "Do leave us alone,"
said Noemi. "By this time your old priest of ninety would be dead ten
times over of fatigue. Don't give us any more orders. I will lead
the way. I know Bruges better than you, and you keep a hundred paces
behind." Carlino could find nothing to say but "Oh, oh--oh, oh--oh,
oh!" and Noemi carried Jeanne off with her, following the railing of
the little cemetery of Saint-Sauveur. It seemed the right moment for her
final revelation.

"I really believe Giovanni is right, you know," said she. "This Don
Clemente comes from Brescia."

Jeanne, overcome by an excess of misery, threw her arms round her
friend's neck and burst into tears. Noemi, dismayed, implored her to
calm herself.

"For God's sake, Jeanne!"

Between her sobs, she asked Noemi whether Carlino knew. Oh, no, but what
would he think now?

"He cannot see us here," sobbed Jeanne. They were in the shadow of the
church. Noemi was surprised that Jeanne, in spite of her emotion, had
noticed the fact.

"For mercy's sake, do not let him find out. For mercy's sake!"

Noemi promised to be silent. Jeanne grew calmer little by little, and
was the first to move. Oh, to be alone! Alone in her own r