Think you this Cassion has some hold
on Hugo Chevet to make him so harsh?"

"No doubt, they are hand in glove in the fur trade, and the
Commissaire has La Barre's ear just now. He rode by yonder in the
carriage a moment since, and you might think from his bows he was the
Governor. And this marriage? when does it take place?"

"On Monsieur's safe return from the great West."

The smile came back to his face.

"Not so bad that, for 'tis a long journey, and might be delayed. I
travel with him, you know, and we depart at daybreak. What else did
this Chevet have to say?"

"Only a threat that if ever you came near me again his fingers would
feel your throat, Monsieur. He spoke of hate between himself and your
father."

The eyes upon mine lost their tolerant smile, and grew darker, and I
marked the fingers of his hand clinch.

"That was like enough, for my father was little averse to a quarrel,
although he seldom made boast of it afterwards. And so this Hugo
Chevet threatened me! I am not of the blood, Mademoiselle, to take
such things lightly. Yet wait--why came you to me with such a tale?
Have you no friends?"

"None, Monsieur," I answered gravely, and regretfully, "other than the
nuns to whom I went to school, and they are useless in such a case. I
am an orphan under guardianship, and my whole life has been passed in
this convent, and Chevet's cabin on the river. My mother died at my
birth, my father was a soldier on the frontier, and I grew up alone
among strangers. Scarcely have I met any save the rough boatmen, and
those _couriers du bois_ in my uncle's employ. There was no one else
but you, Monsieur--no one. 'Twas not immodesty which caused me to make
this appeal, but a dire need. I am a helpless, friendless girl."

"You trust me then?"

"Yes, Monsieur; I believe you a man of honor."

He walked across the room, once, twice, his head bent in thought, and
I watched him, half frightened lest I had angered him.

"Have I done very wrong, Monsieur?"

He stopped, his eyes on my face. He must have perceived my perplexity,
for he smiled again, and pressed my hand gently.

"If so, the angels must judge," he answered stoutly. "As for me, I am
very glad you do me this honor. I but seek the best plan of service,
Mademoiselle, for I stand between you and this sacrifice with much
pleasure. You shall not marry Cassion while I wear a sword; yet,
faith! I am so much a man of action that I see no way out but by the
stro