nd, besides, it was not
to be until Monsieur returned from the West. I do not love him; I
thought--"

"Bah! what is love? 'Tis enough that you accepted. This affair is no
longer one of affection; it has become the King's business, a matter
of State. I decide it is best for you to leave Quebec; ay! and New
France, Mademoiselle. There is but one choice, imprisonment here, or
exile into the wilderness." He leaned forward staring into my face
with his fierce, threatening eyes. "I feel it better that you go as
Monsieur Cassion's wife, and under his protection. I decree that so
you shall go."

"Alone--with--with--Monsieur Cassion?"

"One of his party. 'Tis my order also that Hugo Chevet be of the
company. Perchance a year in the wilderness may be of benefit to him,
and he might be of value in watching over young De Artigny."

Never have I felt more helpless, more utterly alone. I knew all he
meant, but my mind grasped no way of escape. His face leered at me as
through a mist, yet as I glanced aside at Cassion it only brought home
to me a more complete dejection. The man was glad--glad! He had no
conscience, no shame. To appeal to him would be waste of breath--a
deeper humiliation. Suddenly I felt cold, hard, reckless; ay! they had
the power to force me through the unholy ceremony. I was only a
helpless girl; but beyond that I would laugh at them; and Cassion--if
he dared--

The door opened, and a lean priest in long black robe entered
noiselessly, bending his shaven head to La Barre, as his crafty eyes
swiftly swept our faces.

"Monsieur desired my presence?"

"Yes, Pere le Guard, a mission of happiness. There are two here to be
joined in matrimony by bonds of Holy Church. We but wait the coming of
the lady's guardian."

The _pere_ must have interpreted the expression of my face.

"'Tis regular, Monsieur?" he asked.

"By order of the King," returned La Barre sternly. "Beyond that it is
not necessary that you inquire. Ah! Monsieur Chevet! they found you
then? I have a pleasant surprise for you. 'Tis hereby ordered that you
accompany Commissaire Cassion to the Illinois country as interpreter,
to be paid from my private fund."

Chevet stared into the Governor's dark face, scarce able to
comprehend, his brain dazed from heavy drinking.

"The Illinois country! I--Hugo Chevet? 'Tis some joke, Monsieur."

"None at all, as you will discover presently, my man. I do not jest on
the King's service."

"But my land, Mo