and there a column
of marching soldiers, or statuesque guard. And there were women too,
a-plenty--laughing girls, grouped together, ready for any frolic;
housewives on way to market; and occasionally a dainty dame, with
high-heeled shoe and flounced petticoat, picking her way through the
throng, disdainful of the glances of those about. Everywhere there was
a new face, a strange costume, a glimpse of unknown life.

It was all of such interest I was sorry when we came to the gray walls
of the convent. I had actually forgotten Cassion, yet I was glad
enough to be finally rid of him, and be greeted so kindly by Sister
Celeste. In my excitement I scarcely knew what it was the bowing
Commissaire said as he turned away, or paid heed to Chevet's final
growl, but I know the sister gently answered them, and drew me within,
closing the door softly, and shutting out every sound. It was so quiet
in the stone passageway as to almost frighten me, but she took me in
her arms, and looked searchingly into my face.

"The three years have changed you greatly, my child," she said gently,
touching my cheeks with her soft hands; "but bright as your eyes are,
it is not all pleasure I see in them. You must tell me of your life.
The older man, I take it, was your uncle, Monsieur Chevet."

"Yes," I answered, but hesitated to add more.

"He is much as I had pictured him, a bear of the woods."

"He is rough," I protested, "for his life has been hard, yet has given
me no reason to complain. 'Tis because the life is lonely that I grow
old."

"No doubt, and the younger gallant? He is not of the forest school?"

"'Twas Monsieur Cassion, Commissaire for the Governor."

"Ah! 'tis through him you have invitation to the great ball?"

I bowed my head, wondering at the kind questioning in the sister's
eyes. Could she have heard the truth? Perchance she might tell me
something of the man.

"He has been selected by Monsieur Chevet as my husband," I explained
doubtfully. "Know you aught of the man, sister?"

Her hand closed gently on mine.

"No, only that he has been chosen by La Barre to carry special message
to the Chevalier de Baugis in the Illinois country. He hath an evil,
sneering face, and an insolent manner, even as described to me by the
Sieur de Artigny."

I caught my breath quickly, and my hand grasp tightened.

"The Sieur de Artigny!" I echoed, startled into revealing the truth.
"He has been here? has talked with you?"

"Surely,