ited for you, sir, and am
nearly famished. You do not deserve--"

She got no further, for by this time I was at her side, and had stopped
her pretty lips with a kiss--nay, a shower of them.

"Darling, I have news for you," I said, a moment later.

"Well, what is it?" she asked, blushing as she spoke.

"I had a long talk with Mr. Macdonald last night," I replied. "A better
fellow never lived. I told him all, and--and he is anxious to have a
wedding at Fort Garry."

"Is he?"

"Yes, that's what he said. It will sort of cheer up things, you know,
and--"

"But he has one wife already."

"Don't be stupid," said I. "Listen: he is going to send a man off to-day
for the priest, who is visiting a little settlement fifty miles to the
south. In a week, if you are willing, we can be married."

"In a week!" she cried, with mock consternation.

"I am serious," I replied. "Do not play with me. Think how long I have
waited. Say that you will be my wife in a week's time."

"You foolish boy!" She nestled closer to me, adding, in a different and
tremulous voice: "I am yours, dearest. I will marry you whenever you
wish."

Our lips met, and then I held her at arm's length, looking into her big,
purple eyes, soft and shining with the light of love.

"I am the happiest man in the world," I said hoarsely.

"You deserve it," Flora answered.

"And I am glad to feel that we are carrying out the wishes of Griffith
Hawke. Poor fellow! he was a true friend; and so was Captain Rudstone. I
often think of his sad fate."

"I never liked Captain Rudstone," said Flora. "I feared and mistrusted
him. And I have seen him looking at you so queerly sometimes, Denzil."

"Have you?" I replied. "I have noticed the same thing myself. But I
can't believe--"

"Hush! we won't talk of the past," Flora interrupted. "But the future
worries me, dearest. I am afraid of war breaking out--"

"The cloud will likely blow over," said I; "but if trouble does come the
Northwest Company will quickly get the worst of it. And I forgot to tell
you, darling, that Mr. Macdonald has promised me a good post here at
Fort Garry."

"How lovely," exclaimed Flora. "I don't want to return to the North,
with its bitter memories."

Just then footsteps were heard approaching, and we drew apart in some
confusion. The next instant the door opened and the factor himself
appeared, nourishing a paper in one hand.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.