d. Yet it was
my thought you said yonder that you despised the man."

"I do; what reason have I to feel otherwise? Yet there lies my
strength in this battle. He laughs at women, plays with them, breaks
their hearts. It is his pride and boast, and his success in the past
has ministered to his self conceit. He thought me of the same kind,
but has already had his lesson. Do you not know what that means to a
man like him? More than ever he will desire my favor. A week back, he
cared nothing; I was but a plaything, awaiting his pleasure; his wife
to be treated as he pleased. He knows better now, and already his eyes
follow me as though he were my dog."

"And that then is why you send for me--that I may play my part in the
game?"

I shrugged my shoulders, yet there was doubt in my eyes as I faced
him.

"Is there harm in such play, Monsieur," I asked innocently, "with so
important an end in view? 'Tis not that I seek amusement, but I must
find out where this King's pardon is hidden, who concealed it, and
obtain proof of the fraud which compelled my marriage. My only hope of
release lies in compelling Francois Cassion to confess all he knows of
this foul conspiracy. I must possess the facts before we return to
Quebec."

"But of what use?" he insisted. "You will still remain his wife, and
your property will be in his control. The church will hold you to the
marriage contract."

"Not if I can establish the truth that I was deceived, defrauded, and
married by force. Once I have the proofs in my hands, I will appeal to
Louis--to the Pope for relief. These men thought me a helpless girl,
friendless and alone, ignorant of law, a mere waif of the frontier.
Perhaps I was, but this experience has made of me a woman. In Montreal
I talked with the Mother Superior, and she told me of a marriage in
France where the _pere_ officiated under threat, and the Pope
dissolved the ties. If it can be done for others, it shall be done for
me. I will not remain the wife of Francois Cassion."

"Yet you would make him love you?"

"In punishment for his sins; in payment for those he has ruined. Ay!
'tis a duty I shall not shrink from, Monsieur de Artigny, even
although you may deem it unwomanly. I do not mean it so, nor hold
myself immodest for the effort. Why should I? I but war against him
with his own weapons, and my cause is just. And I shall win, whether
or not you give me your aid. How can I fail, Monsieur? I am young, and
not ill to lo