It was moreover
most amusing to talk to this handsome monk, who believed her to be
Jeanne. By a look she cautioned Jeanne, who, much embarrassed, was
glancing from her to the monk, doubtful whether to speak or remain
silent.
"Of course my friend knows Santa Scolastica already," she said, "but I
have never been here before."
She turned to Jeanne.
"If the Padre will be kind enough to accompany me, it seems to me you
might remain here, as you are not feeling well," she said.
Jeanne consented so readily that Noemi suspected she had some secret
plan, and wondered if she had not made a mistake in proposing this.
However, it was too late now. Don Clemente, not over-pleased at having
to accompany one lady alone, suggested they should wait; perhaps her
friend would feel stronger presently. Jeanne protested. No, they must
not wait; she was glad to remain there.
While passing from the first to the second cloister, Noemi once more
reminded the Padre of their meeting on the previous night.
"You had a companion?" she said, and immediately felt ashamed of her
deceit, and of not having cleared up the mistake under which the monk
was labouring.
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