ce, if rightly developed. How much made you
last year by ginseng, Philibert?"

"I can scarcely answer," replied the Bourgeois, hesitating a moment
to mention what might seem like egotism; "but the half million I
contributed towards the war in defence of Acadia was wholly the product
of my export of ginseng to China."

"I know it was! and God bless you for it, Philibert!" exclaimed the
Governor with emotion, as he grasped the hand of the patriotic merchant.

"If we have preserved New France this year, it was through your timely
help in Acadia. The King's treasury was exhausted," continued the
Governor, looking at Herr Kalm, "and ruin imminent, when the noble
merchant of the Chien d'Or fed, clothed, and paid the King's troops for
two months before the taking of Grand Pre from the enemy!"

"No great thing in that, your Excellency," replied the Bourgeois, who
hated compliments to himself. "If those who have do not give, how can
you get from those who have not? You may lay some of it to the account
of Pierre too,--he was in Acadia, you know, Governor." A flash of honest
pride passed over the usually sedate features of the Bourgeois at the
mention of his son.

Le Gardeur looked at his sister. She knew instinctively that his
thoughts put into words would say, "He is worthy to be your father,
Amelie!" She blushed with a secret pleasure, but spoke not. The music in
her heart was without words yet; but one day it would fill the universe
with harmony for her.

The Governor noticed the sudden reticence, and half surmising the cause,
remarked playfully, "The Iroquois will hardly dare approach Tilly with
such a garrison as Pierre Philibert and Le Gardeur, and with you,
my Lady de Tilly, as commandant, and you, Mademoiselle Amelie, as
aide-de-camp!"

"To be sure! your Excellency," replied the Lady de Tilly. "The women
of Tilly have worn swords and kept the old house before now!" she added
playfully, alluding to a celebrated defence of the chateau by a former
lady of the Manor at the head of a body of her censitaires; "and depend
upon it, we shall neither give up Tilly nor Le Gardeur either, to
whatever savages claim them, be they red or white!"

The lady's allusion to his late associates did not offend Le Gardeur,
whose honest nature despised their conduct, while he liked their
company. They all understood her, and laughed. The Governor's loyalty
to the King's commission prevented his speaking his thoughts. He only
remarked,