ght to have put off! by water. You will soon hear
from him, I doubt not. Now I have told my news, and I am faint. Where
is Therese?"

"She is here. Look more like yourself, and she shall be called. You
have told all your news?"

"All; and I am glad it is out."

"Keep up your heart, Dessalines! I have you and Henri; and God is with
the faithful.--Now to your bed, my friend."

Instead of the attendants who were summoned, Therese entered. She spoke
no word, but aided by her servant, had her husband carried to his
chamber. When the door was closed, sad and serious as were the tidings
which had now to be acted upon, the secretary could not help asking
L'Ouverture if he had ever seen Madame Dessalines look as she did just
now.

"Yes," he replied, "on certain occasions, some years since.--But here
she is again."

Therese came to say that her husband had yet something to relate into
Toussaint's own ear before he could sleep; but, on her own part, she
entreated that she might first be permitted to dress his wounds.

"Send for me when you think fit, and I will come, madame. But, Therese,
one word. I am aware that Monsieur Papalier is here. Do not forget
that you are a Christian, and pledged to forgive injuries."

"You think you read my thoughts, L'Ouverture; but you do not. Listen,
and I am gone. His voice once had power over me through love, and then
through hatred. I never miss the lightest word he speaks. I heard him
tell his old friends from Cap that I was his slave, and that the time
was coming when masters would claim their own again. Now you know my
thoughts."

And she was gone.

When Toussaint returned from his visit to Dessalines' chamber, he found
Monsieur Pascal sitting with his face hid in his hands.

"Meditation is good," said Toussaint, laying his hand on his friend's
shoulder. "Lamentation is unworthy."

"It is so; and we have much to do," replied the secretary, rousing
himself.

"Fear not," resumed Toussaint, "but that your bride will bloom in the
air of the mountains. We may have to entrench ourselves in the mornes--
or, at least, to place there our ladies, and the civil officers of the
government; but we ought to thank God for providing those natural homes,
so full of health and beauty, for the free in spirit. I have still
three brigades, and the great body of the cultivators, in reserve; but
we shall all act with stronger hearts if our heart's treasure is safe in
the mornes.