falls here; but it is not of my doing, and in colder comfort, Madame, I
shall recall the good hours spent in your home."

I think I said it with a general courtesy, yet, feeling the eyes of the
young lady on me, perhaps a little extra warmth came into my voice, and
worked upon Madame, or it may be she was glad of my removal from contact
with her daughter; but kindness showed in her face, and she replied
gently, "I am sure it is only for a few days till we see you again."

Yet I think in her heart she knew my life was perilled: those were rough
and hasty times, when the axe or the rope was the surest way to deal
with troubles. Three years before, at Fort Necessity, I had handed
my sword to my lieutenant, bidding him make healthy use of it, and,
travelling to Quebec on parole, had come in and out of this house with
great freedom. Yet since Alixe had grown towards womanhood there had
been strong change in Madame's manner.

"The days, however few, will be too long until I tax your courtesy
again," I said. "I bid you adieu, Madame."

"Nay, not so," spoke up my host; "not one step: dinner is nearly served,
and you must both dine with us. Nay, but I insist," he added, as he saw
me shake my head. "Monsieur Doltaire will grant you this courtesy, and
me the great kindness. Eh, Doltaire?"

Doltaire rose, glancing from Madame to her daughter. Madame was smiling,
as if begging his consent; for, profligate though he was, his position,
and more than all, his personal distinction, made him a welcome guest
at most homes in Quebec. Alixe met his look without a yes or no in her
eyes--so young, yet having such control and wisdom, as I have had reason
beyond all men to know. Something, however, in the temper of the scene
had filled her with a kind of glow, which added to her beauty and
gave her dignity. The spirit of her look caught the admiration of this
expatriated courtier, and I knew that a deeper cause than all our past
conflicts--and they were great--would now, or soon, set him fatally
against me.

"I shall be happy to wait Captain Moray's pleasure," he said presently,
"and to serve my own by sitting at your table. I was to have dined with
the Intendant this afternoon, but a messenger shall tell him duty stays
me.... If you will excuse me!" he added, going to the door to find a
man of his company. He looked back for an instant, as if it struck him I
might seek escape, for he believed in no man's truth; but he only said,
"I may