that anything is to be gained
by continuing this conversation; the main thing is that I know Mme.
de St. Just to be a lady of both family and position.'

"'Do you happen to know that her brother is a captain in the English
army?'

"'I have known it for mouths past, madame. What of it'

"'And that he was a prisoner in Louisbourg?'

"'Certainly; no secret has been made of it,' he answered, as cool
as a boy at his catechism.

"She seemed much put but at this rebuff, but turned towards the
others and went on, angrily:

"'Of course a woman has no right to an opinion in the face of such
an authority as M. Joannes, but I am sure so patriotic a brother
will be interested in such a sister's letters, and that the authentic
news she may send from Quebec cannot fail to be of interest to his
superiors. It may be the part of an affectionate sister, ambitious
for her brother's advancement, but hardly that of a friend to be
encouraged by us. There! That is what I believe; and if you others
are too blind to see behind a pretty face and a disconsolate manner,
so much the worse for us all.'

"Marguerite, my dear, there wasn't a man in the room who didn't
protest against her ungenerous suspicions. I was proud of them
all! But none of the women said a word, and the spiteful little
creature stuck to her ground, vowing she would speak to the Marquis,
so that he, at least, should not be unwarned.

"I waited until she was done, for I was determined to hear the end,
and then I said:

"'Mme. de Beaubassin, I have not spoken because I am only a girl,
and neither my mother's hospitality, nor my mother's guest, requires
any defence from me; I trust both implicitly. Our thanks and those
of Mme. de St. Just, our friend, are due to every gentleman in
the room. I was under some obligation to you, madame, for your
attentions to me in the past, but you have more than cancelled them
now, and I will not enter your door again until you have apologised
to us all.'

"'My dear child,' she said, with her hateful smile, 'you are young,
but time will correct that, as well as your breeding and your
judgment; until then I shall miss your society, but will pray for
your enlightenment.'

"Did you ever hear anything so abominable! M. Poulariez gave me
his hand, and the dear little Joannes followed us to the door,
whispering:

"'Brava! Brava, mademoiselle! It was excellent! You could not have
said better!'

"Now what will you do, Marguerite?"

"Th