138 Lily and Water-Lily.

 

be,” said she. “Who spoke of Michael d’Orsiguet?”
And she went about her work.

But the bells were ringing for Vespers from the
silver-domed belfry below, and she saw Judith has-
tening from her cottage on the height above, and
knew that she was coming to fetch her to church.

She tried to secrete herself in the house, but it was
no good. The loud voice having called in vain from
the orchard below, its boisterous owner followed the
father’s directions and unearthed the young mistress.

“ Art worshipping the fairy-lilies in secret, that thou
dost not need the priest’s blessing?” laughed the
buxom brunette. “Surely thou hast had all day to
do it in—and to remember the kiss thou didst give
the lad for getting them too, Well, did he see a
fairy? Tell me that. For if he saw none, I wouldn't
let the bargain stand. He’s a poor-enough match
for thee, anyhow.”

Salome flashed round on her. “What bargain?”
said she, fiercely, between her white lips. “I made
no bargain with any one.”