me of the harvest, which is sorely needed, for our commissariat is
reduced almost to the last extremity. Yes, de Beaujardin," he added,
"there is nothing left for me but to hold out and fight to the last,
and die a soldier's death. I would not wish to live to see the fall of
New France, but that must surely come. But de Valricour has of course
told you----"

"I have not seen him yet. I came direct to you to report myself," said
Isidore.

"Not seen him!" cried Montcalm in amazement; "but I might have expected
that from you. Go--go at once--good news is in store for you at all
events, and you are worthy of it." Then turning to an officer who had
just come up, he added, "Send an orderly with this gentleman to Colonel
de Valricour's quarters. Stay; Colonel de Beaujardin is reappointed to
his old position on the staff. See to this at once."

Isidore would have thanked him, but Montcalm was already reading the
despatch just brought to him, and with a full heart the young soldier
bent his steps towards his uncle's quarters.

Passing out of the citadel, he had proceeded but a short distance when
the orderly stopped.

"Here!" exclaimed Isidore, with some agitation, for the house pointed
out to him was the very one in which Madame de Rocheval had resided,
and where he had seen Marguerite for the first time.

Another orderly at the door bade him enter. He did so, and ascended
the stairs as if in a dream. He did not even hear the man announce
him, and as he stood at the open door of the saloon his eyes grew dim,
and he could see nothing; but he heard a voice cry out, "Isidore! my
husband!" and Marguerite was clasped in his arms.

[Illustration: Tailpiece to Chapter VI]

[Illustration: Headpiece to Chapter VII]

CHAPTER VII.

It will be remembered that when M. de Valricour quitted France in order
to return to Canada he promised the Marquis de Beaujardin that he would
do his best to find Isidore, and report whatever he might learn
respecting him. In those days, however, the communication between New
and Old France was slow and uncertain enough, and it was not until the
ensuing spring that the marquis received any tidings respecting his
son. From what he then heard it could scarcely be doubted that Isidore
was in Canada, and de Valricour was able to inform his brother-in-law
not only that Marguerite had been a prisoner at Sorel, and had
subsequently escaped through the devotion of Amoahmeh, but th