change of voice, which was now filled with emotion: "it was
on the day of St. John you saved my poor worthless life. We are not
ungrateful! She has kept the eve of St. John in the church ever since,
in commemoration of that event."

"Brother, we have much to thank Heaven for!" replied Amelie, blushing
deeply at his words, "and I trust we shall never be ungrateful for its
favor and protection."

Amelie shied from a compliment like a young colt at its own shadow.
She avoided further reference to the subject broached by Le Gardeur
by saying,--"It was I whom Heloise saw pass into the church. I never
explained the mystery to her, and she is not sure yet whether it was
my wraith or myself who gave her that fright on St. John's eve. But I
claimed her heart as one authorized to take it, and if I could not marry
her myself I claimed the right to give her to whomsoever I pleased, and
I gave her to you, Le Gardeur, but you would not accept the sweetest
girl in New France!"

"Thanks, Amelie," replied he, laughing, yet wincing. "Heloise is indeed
all you say, the sweetest girl in New France! But she was too angelic
for Le Gardeur de Repentigny. Pshaw! you make me say foolish things,
Amelie. But in penance for my slight, I will be doubly attentive to my
fair cousin de Lotbiniere to-day. I will at once order the horses and we
will ride down to the village to meet her."

Arrayed in a simple riding-dress of dark blue, which became her as did
everything else which she wore,--Amelie's very attire seemed instinct
with the living graces and charms of its wearer,--she mounted her horse,
accepting the aid of Philibert to do so, although when alone she usually
sprang to the saddle herself, saluting the Lady de Tilly, who waved her
hand to them from the lawn. The three friends slowly cantered down the
broad avenue of the park towards the village of Tilly.

Amelie rode well. The exercise and the pure air brought the fresh color
to her face, and her eyes sparkled with animation as she conversed gaily
with her brother and Philibert.

They speedily reached the village, where they met Heloise de Lotbiniere,
who, rushing to Amelie, kissed her with effusion, and as she greeted Le
Gardeur looked up as if she would not have refused a warmer salutation
than the kind shake of the hand with which he received her. She welcomed
Philibert with glad surprise, recognizing him at once, and giving
a glance at Amelie which expressed an ocean of unspoken mean