heir seats amid great laughter
and confusion, when the Sieur Deschenaux, a reckless young gallant,
ablaze with wine and excitement, stood up, leaning against the table.
His fingers dabbled in his wine-cup as he addressed them, but he did not
notice it.

"We have drunk with all the honors," said he, "to the bright eyes of the
belle of Quebec. I call on every gentleman now, to drink to the still
brighter eyes of the belle of New France!"

"Who is she? Name! name!" shouted a dozen voices; "who is the belle of
New France?"

"Who is she? Why, who can she be but the fair Angelique, whom we have
just honored?" replied De Pean, hotly, jealous of any precedence in that
quarter.

"Tut!" cried Deschenaux, "you compare glowworms with evening stars, when
you pretend to match Angelique des Meloises with the lady I propose to
honor! I call for full brimmers--cardinal's hats--in honor of the belle
of New France--the fair Amelie de Repentigny!"

Le Gardeur de Repentigny was sitting leaning on his elbow, his face
beaming with jollity, as he waited, with a full cup, for Deschenaux's
toast. But no sooner did he hear the name of his sister from those lips
than he sprang up as though a serpent had bit him. He hurled his goblet
at the head of Deschenaux with a fierce imprecation, and drew his sword
as he rushed towards him.

"A thousand lightnings strike you! How dare you pollute that holy name,
Deschenaux? Retract that toast instantly, or you shall drink it in
blood--retract, I say!"

The guests rose to their feet in terrible uproar. Le Gardeur struggled
violently to break through a number of those who interposed between him
and Deschenaux, who, roused to frenzy by the insult from Le Gardeur,
had also drawn his sword, and stood ready to receive the assault of his
antagonist.

The Intendant, whose courage and presence of mind never forsook him,
pulled Deschenaux down upon his seat and held fast his sword arm,
shouting in his ear,--

"Are you mad, Deschenaux? You knew she was his sister, and how he
worships her! Retract the toast--it was inopportune! Besides, recollect
we want to win over De Repentigny to the Grand Company!"

Deschenaux struggled for a minute, but the influence of the Intendant
was all-powerful over him. He gave way. "Damn De Repentigny," said he,
"I only meant to do honor to the pretty witch. Who would have expected
him to take it up in that manner?"

"Any one who knows him; besides," continued the Intendant, "