a
chopping down with both hands from the elbow, now again a graceful
clasping of them in front, made a satisfactory impression on Benoit
himself, who prepared to continue indefinitely had not Zotique
interrupted.

"Benoit, you are too fine for good millstone. But respecting friend
Cuiller, we are willingly converted to your delusion. He is honorably
acquitted of his crime."

"And now," he cried, "Oyez! Let all who have not forgotten how to make
their marks, sign the requisition which I observe in the hands of Maitre
Descarries."

Maitre Descarries, Notary, an elderly, active little man, carefully
attired and wearing his white hair brushed back from his forehead, in a
manner resembling a halo, or some silvery kind of old-time wig, stood at
the door holding a document,--a paper nominating Sieur Chamilly Haviland
to represent the Electoral District of Argentenaye.

The Notary, advancing, laid it on the bar of the Court, and everybody
crowded to look on and see those requested to sign do so.

The Honorable, the first to be called, went forward and affixed his
name, and Maitre Descarries turned to a person who was apparently an old
farmer, but a man with a face of conspicuous dignity.

"Will you sign, Mr. De La Lande?"

"Ah yes, Monsieur Descarries--'with both hands,'"--answered he, bowing
quickly; and his signature read, to the Ontarian's astonishment: "De La
Lande, Duke of St. Denis, Peer of France."

Thus, at this after-mass reception, Chrysler was introduced to a circle
of whom he was to see much in the events to follow.

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE AMERICAN FRANCE.

Chrysler and Genest, after reaching the Manoir, sat conversing under the
large triple tree on the side of the lawn.

"You have no idea of the simplicity of life here," l'Honorable
philosophised. "We dwell as peacefully, in general, and almost as much
in one spot as these great trees. After all, is there any condition in
which mortal existence is happier than that of pure air and tranquility.
We have a proverb, 'Love God and go thy path.' To love God, to live, to
die, are the complete circle."

Chamilly's entrance put an end to these idyllic observations. He was
driven up in a cart by a country jehu, and leaping out, there followed
him a couple of friends.

Haviland called Tardif, the head servant, who appeared at the door of
the house, bareheaded, with an apron on:

"Bring the dinner out here, Tardif," he ordered; and a light table was
s