act would never have been considered had you opposed it,
Monsieur. It was your choice, not the Governor's."

"I would wed you--yes; but that is no crime. But let us understand
each other. Those were harsh words you spoke in anger in the room
yonder."

"They were not in anger."

"But surely--"

"Monsieur, you have forced me into marriage; the law holds me as your
wife. I know not how I may escape that fate, or avoid accompanying
you. So far I submit, but no farther. I do not love you; I do not even
feel friendship toward you. Let me pass."

He grasped my arm, turning me about until I faced him, his eyes
glaring into mine.

"Not until I speak," he replied threateningly. "Do not mistake my
temper, or imagine me blind. I know what has so suddenly changed
you--it is that gay, simpering fool yonder. But be careful how far you
go. I am your husband, and in authority here."

"Monsieur, your words are insult; release your hand."

"So you think to deceive! Bah! I am too old a bird for that, or to pay
heed to such airs. I have seen girls before, and a mood does not
frighten me. But listen now--keep away from De Artigny unless you seek
trouble."

"What mean you by that threat?"

"You will learn to your sorrow; the way we travel is long, and I am
woodsman as well as soldier. You will do well to heed my words."

I released my arm, but did not move. My only feeling toward him at
that moment was one of disgust, defiance. The threat in his eyes, the
cool insolence of his speech, set my blood on fire.

"Monsieur," I said coldly, although every nerve of my body throbbed,
"you may know girls, but you deal now with a woman. Your speech, your
insinuation is insult. I disliked you before; now I despise you, yet I
will say this in answer to what you have intimated. Monsieur de
Artigny is nothing to me, save that he hath shown himself friend. You
wrong him, even as you wrong me, in thinking otherwise, and whatever
the cause of misunderstanding between us, there is no excuse for you
to pick quarrel with him."

"You appear greatly concerned over his safety."

"Not at all; so far as I have ever heard the Sieur de Artigny has
heretofore proven himself quite capable of sustaining his own part.
'Tis more like I am concerned for you."

"For me? You fool! Why, I was a swordsman when that lad was at his
mother's knee." He laughed, but with ugly gleam of teeth. "_Sacre!_ I
hate such play acting. But enough of quarrel now; there is suf