eguiling Le Gardeur to Tilly in the companionship of Pierre
might be the means of thwarting those adverse influences which were
dragging him to destruction.

If Pierre Philibert grew more animated in the presence of those bright
eyes, which were at once appreciative and sympathizing, Amelie drank in
the conversation of Pierre as one drinks the wine of a favorite vintage.
If her heart grew a little intoxicated, what the wonder? Furtively
as she glanced at the manly countenance of Pierre, she saw in it the
reflection of his noble mind and independent spirit; and remembering the
injunction of Le Gardeur,--for, woman-like, she sought a support out of
herself to justify a foregone conclusion,--she thought that if Pierre
asked her she could be content to share his lot, and her greatest
happiness would be to live in the possession of his love.

Pierre Philibert took his departure early from the house of the Lady
de Tilly, to make his preparations for leaving the city next day. His
father was aware of his project, and approved of it.

The toils of the day were over in the house of the Chien d'Or. The
Bourgeois took his hat and sword and went out for a walk upon the cape,
where a cool breeze came up fresh from the broad river. It was just the
turn of tide. The full, brimming waters, reflecting here and there
a star, began to sparkle under the clear moon that rose slowly and
majestically over the hills of the south shore.

The Bourgeois sat down on the low wall of the terrace to enjoy the
freshness and beauty of the scene which, although he had seen it a
hundred times before, never looked lovelier, he thought, than this
evening. He was very happy in his silent thoughts over his son's return
home; and the general respect paid him on the day of his fete had been
more felt, perhaps, by the Bourgeois than by Pierre himself.

As he indulged in these meditations, a well-known voice suddenly
accosted him. He turned and was cordially greeted by the Count de la
Galissoniere and Herr Kalm, who had sauntered through the garden of the
Castle and directed their steps towards the cape with intention to call
upon the Lady de Tilly and pay their respects to her before she left the
city.

The Bourgeois, learning their intentions, said he would accompany
them, as he too owed a debt of courtesy to the noble lady and her niece
Amelie, which he would discharge at the same time.

The three gentlemen walked gravely on, in pleasant conversation.