ng arm. Is appeal to the Governor, to the judges impossible?"

"He possesses influence now."

"True enough; he is the kind La Barre finds useful, while I can scarce
keep my head upon my shoulders here in New France. To be follower of
La Salle is to be called traitor. It required the aid of every friend
I had in Quebec to secure me card of admission to the ball tonight."

"You attend, Monsieur?"

"Unless they bar me at the sword point. Know you why I made the
effort?"

"No, Monsieur."

"Your promise to be present. I had no wish otherwise."

I felt the flush deepen on my cheeks and my eyes fell.

"'Tis most kind of you to say so, Monsieur," was all I could falter.

"Ay!" he interrupted, "we are both so alone in this New France 'tis well
we help each other. I will find you a way out, Mademoiselle--perhaps
this night; if not, then in the woods yonder. They are filled with
secrets, yet have room to hide another."

"But not violence, Monsieur!"

"Planning and scheming is not my way, nor am I good at it. A soldier
of La Salle needs more to understand action, and the De Artigny breed
has ever had faith in steel. I seek no quarrel, yet if occasion arise
this messenger of La Barre will find me quite ready. I know not what
may occur. Mademoiselle; I merely pledge you my word of honor that
Cassion will no longer seek your hand. The method you must trust to
me."

Our eyes met, and his were kind and smiling, with a confidence in
their depths that strangely heartened me. Before I realized the action
I had given him my hand.

"I do, Monsieur, and question no more, though I pray for peace between
you. Our time is up, Sister?"

"Yes, my child," she stood in the doorway, appearing like some saintly
image. "The Mother sent me."

De Artigny released my hand, and bowed low.

"I still rely upon your attendance at the ball?" he asked, lingering
at the door.

"Yes, Monsieur."

"And may bespeak a dance?"

"I cannot say no, although it may cost you dear."

He laughed gaily, his eyes bright with merriment.

"Faith! most pleasures do I find; the world would be dull enough
otherwise. Till then, Mademoiselle, adieu."

We heard his quick step ring on the stone of the passage, and Celeste
smiled, her hand on mine.

"A lad of spirit that. The Sieur de la Salle picks his followers well,
and knows loyal hearts. The De Artignys never fail."

"You know of them, Sister?"

"I knew his father," she answered, half ashamed alrea