lied his paddle, now on one side, now on
the other. In the stern sat another person, a young girl, whose dark
tresses were ornamented with a wreath of natural flowers, which gave an
additional charm to her beautiful features, the rest of her costume
being also adorned with gaily-coloured feathers, further increasing the
picturesqueness of her appearance. She lightly stepped out of the
canoe, followed by her companion, who hauled it up on the beach at the
same time that Nigel landed. They together made their way to the
village as if well accustomed to traverse the path. Nigel was a few
paces behind them, and observed that they entered the house of the
minister, Monsieur Laporte. On reaching the count's house, he mentioned
the circumstance to his friends, and inquired who the Indians were.

"They must be, without doubt, the young chief Tecumah and his sister
Cora, who come frequently to receive from our good minister instruction
in the truths of Christianity, of which, I trust, they have gained
considerable knowledge," answered Constance. "First the young chief
came by himself, and then he begged permission to bring his sister. She
is a sweet young creature; a perfect child of nature; and has already
become even a more faithful believer than her brother, who cannot, as
yet, understand why he should not destroy his enemies wherever he can
find them."

Constance had before told Nigel of her meeting with Tecumah; she now
assured him that the young chief seemed to have got over any attachment
he might have felt for her, so Nigel felt no sensations of jealousy.
Nigel proceeded afterwards to call on the governor to present his letter
from the admiral. Villegagnon received him in his usual courteous
manner, and complimented him on his gallantry with the Portuguese.
When, however, he read the letter, his manner changed.

"The admiral does not command here," he observed, "and I require
officers on board my ships. I cannot accept your resignation."

Nigel expostulated in vain. Instead, however, of at once refusing to
serve, he resolved to take time to consider the matter. He went back to
consult the count, who advised him to do nothing rashly; as, should he
throw up his commission and come to live on shore, he would offend the
governor and put himself completely in his power.

While they were speaking, Tecumah and Cora, with Monsieur Laporte, came
to the house, to pay their respects, they said, to the count and his