something like pity stole into his eyes; he called her by name, ran to
her, assisted her to rise, which she did, slowly turning towards him
that weeping, Madonna-like face which haunts the ruins of Beaumanoir to
this day.

She was of medium stature, slender and lissome, looking taller than she
really was. Her features were chiselled with exquisite delicacy; her
hair of a raven blackness, and eyes of that dark lustre which reappears
for generations in the descendants of Europeans who have mingled their
blood with that of the aborigines of the forest. The Indian eye is
preserved as an heirloom, long after all memory of the red stain has
vanished from the traditions of the family. Her complexion was pale,
naturally of a rich olive, but now, through sorrow, of a wan and
bloodless hue--still very beautiful, and more appealing than the rosiest
complexion.

Caroline de St. Castin was an Acadienne of ancient and noble family,
whose head and founder, the Baron de St. Castin, had married the
beautiful daughter of the high chief of the Abenaquais.

Her father's house, one of the most considerable in the Colony, had been
the resort of the royal officers, civil and military, serving in Acadia.
Caroline, the only daughter of the noble house, had been reared in
all the refinements and luxuries of the period, as became her rank and
position both in France and her native Province.

In an evil hour for her happiness this beautiful and accomplished girl
met the Chevalier Bigot, who as Chief Commissary of the Army, was one of
the foremost of the royal officers in Acadia.

His ready wit and graceful manners pleased and flattered the susceptible
girl, not used to the seductions of the polished courtesies of the
mother-land of France. She was of a joyous temper--gay, frank, and
confiding. Her father, immersed in public affairs, left her much to
herself, nor, had he known it, would he have disapproved of the gallant
courtesies of the Chevalier Bigot. For the Baron had the soul of honor,
and dreamt every gentleman as well as himself possessed it.

Bigot, to do him justice, felt as sincere a regard for this beautiful,
amiable girl as his nature was capable of entertaining. In rank and
fortune she was more than his equal, and left to himself, he would
willingly have married her. Before he learned that his project of a
marriage in the Colony was scouted at Court he had already offered his
love to Caroline de St. Castin, and won easily the g