me before she rendered
decision.

I crossed to the window and leaned out, seeking to divert my mind by
view of the scene below, yet the stone walls were so thick that only a
tantalizing glimpse was afforded of the pavement opposite. There were
lines of people there, pressed against the side of a great building,
and I knew from their gestures that troops were marching by. Once I
had view of a horseman, gaily uniformed, his frightened animal rearing
just at the edge of the crowd, which scattered like a flock of sheep
before the danger of pawing hoofs. The man must have gained glimpse of
me also, for he waved one hand and smiled even as he brought the beast
under control. Then a band played, and I perceived the shiny top of a
carriage moving slowly up the hill, the people cheering as it passed.
No doubt it was Governor la Barre, on his way to the citadel for some
ceremony of the day.

Cassion would be somewhere in the procession, for he was one to keep
in the glare, and be seen, but there would be no place for a
lieutenant of La Salle's. I leaned out farther, risking a fall, but
saw nothing to reward the effort, except a line of marching men, a
mere bobbing mass of heads. I drew back flushed with exertion, dimly
aware that someone had entered the apartment. It was the Mother
Superior, looking smaller than ever in the gloom, and behind her
framed in the narrow doorway, his eyes smiling as though in enjoyment
of my confusion, stood De Artigny. I climbed down from the bench,
feeling my cheeks burn hotly, and made obeisance. The Mother's soft
hand rested on my hair, and there was silence, so deep I heard the
pounding of my heart.

"Child," said the Mother, her voice low but clear. "Rise that I may
see your face. Ah! it has not so greatly changed in the years, save
that the eyes hold knowledge of sorrow. Sister Celeste hath told me
your story, and if it be sin for me to grant your request then must I
abide the penance, for it is in my heart to do so. Until I send the
sister you may speak alone with Monsieur de Artigny."

She drew slightly aside, and the young man bowed low, hat in hand,
then stood erect, facing me, the light from the window on his face.

"At your command, Mademoiselle," he said quietly. "The Mother tells me
you have need of my services."

I hesitated, feeling the embarrassment of the other presence, and
scarce knowing how best to describe my case. It seemed simple enough
when I was alone, but now all m