my dear girl. He was here with La Salle before his chief
sailed for France, and yesterday he came again, and questioned me."

"Questioned you?"

"Yes; he sought knowledge of you, and of why you were in the household
of Chevet. I liked the young man, and told him all I knew, of your
father's death and the decree of the court, and of how Chevet
compelled you to leave the convent. I felt him to be honest and true,
and that his purpose was worthy."

"And he mentioned Cassion?"

"Only that he had arranged to guide him into the wilderness. But I
knew he thought ill of the man."

I hesitated, for as a child I had felt awe of Sister Celeste, yet her
questioning eyes were kind, and we were alone. Here was my chance, my
only chance, and I dare not lose it. Her face appeared before me misty
through tears, yet words came bravely enough to my lips.

"Sister, you must hear me," I began bewildered, "I have no mother, no
friend even to whom to appeal; I am just a girl all alone. I despise
this man Cassion; I do not know why, but he seems to be like a snake,
and I cannot bear his presence. I would rather die than marry him. I
do not think Chevet trusts him, either, but he has some hold, and
compels him to sell me as though I was a slave in the market. I am to
be made to marry him. I pray you let me see this Sieur de Artigny that
I may tell him all, and beseech his aid."

"But why De Artigny, my girl? What is the boy to you?"

"Nothing--absolutely nothing," I confessed frankly. "We have scarcely
spoken together, but he is a gallant of true heart; he will never
refuse aid to a maid like me. It will be joy for him to outwit this
enemy of La Salle's. All I ask is that I be permitted to tell him my
story."

Celeste sat silent, her white hands clasped, her eyes on the
stained-glass window. It was so still I could hear my own quick
breathing. At last she spoke, her voice still soft and kindly.

"I scarcely think you realize what you ask, my child. 'Tis a strange
task for a sister of the Ursulines, and I would learn more before I
answer. Is there understanding between you and this Sieur de
Artigny?"

"We have met but twice; here at this convent three years ago, when we
were boy and girl, and he went westward with La Salle. You know the
time, and that we talked together on the bench in the garden. Then it
was three days since that he came to our house on the river, seeking
Cassion that he might volunteer as guide. He had no thought