A lover who reasons is no
lover."
"How true that is," remarked Madame Steynlin.
"Sheer monotony," repeated the Count. "And it is the same with their
pictorial art. We blame the Orientals for their chill cult of geometric
designs, their purely stylistic decoration, their endless repetitions,
as opposed to our variety and love of floral, human, or other
naturalistic motives. But by this simple means they attain their end--a
direct appeal. Their art, like their music, goes straight to the
senses; it is not deflected or disturbed by any intervening medium.
Colour plays its part; the sombre, throbbing sounds of these
instruments--the glowing tints of their carpets and tapestries. Talking
of gipsies, do you know whether our friend van Koppen has arrived?"
"Koppen? A very up-to-date nomad, who takes the whole world for his
camping-ground. No, not yet. But he'll turn up in a day or two."
Count Caloveglia was concerned, just then, about Mr. van Koppen. He had
a little business to transact with him--he fervently hoped that the
millionaire would not forgo his annual visit to Nepenthe.
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