such. Whatever he might have done in the
first impulse of anger, Pierre will not now seek the life of Le Gardeur.
He knows too well whence this blow has really come. He has been deeply
touched by the remorse and self-accusation of Le Gardeur."

"I could kiss his feet! my noble Pierre! Oh, aunt, aunt! what have I
not lost! But I was betrothed to him, was I not?" She started up with a
shriek of mortal agony. "They never can recall that!" she cried wildly.
"He was to have been mine! He is still mine, and forever will be mine!
Death will reunite what in life is sundered! Will it not, aunt?"

"Yes; be composed, darling, and I will tell you more. Nay, do not look
at me so, Amelie!" The Lady de Tilly stroked her cheek and kissed
the dark eyes that seemed flaring out of their sockets with maddening
excitement.

"When I had recovered strength enough to go to the Castle to see the
Count, Pierre supported me thither. He dared not trust himself to see
Le Gardeur, who from his prison sent message after message to him to beg
death at his hand.

"I held a brief conference with the Governor, La Corne St. Luc, and
a few gentlemen, who were hastily gathered together in the
council-chamber. I pleaded long, not for pardon, not even for Le
Gardeur could I ask for pardon, Amelie!" exclaimed the just and noble
woman,--"but for a calm consideration of the terrible circumstances
which had surrounded him in the Palace of the Intendant, and which had
led directly to the catastrophe."

"And what said they? Oh, be quick, aunt! Is not Le Gardeur to be tried
by martial law and condemned at once to death?"

"No, Amelie! The Count de la Galissoniere, with the advice of his
wisest counsellors, among whom is your godfather and others, the dearest
friends of both families, have resolved to send Le Gardeur to France by
the Fleur de Lys, which sails to-morrow. They do this in order that the
King may judge of his offence, as also to prevent the conflict that may
arise between the contending factions in the Colony, should they try him
here. This resolution may be wise, or not, I do not judge; but such
is the determination of the Governor and Council, to which all must
submit."

Amelie held her head between her palms for some moments. She was
violently agitated, but she tried to consider, as best she might, the
decision with regard to her brother.

"It is merciful in them," she said, "and it is just. The King will judge
what is right in the sight of