"It is. Cale said we might have heavy frost or snow before morning. You will find the changes in temperature very sudden and trying here in spring and autumn. About Doctor Rugvie; he is a good man, and a great one in his profession. We made his acquaintance many years ago in Scotland, in my own home, Crieff. He had lodgings with us for ten weeks, and since then he has made us proud to be counted among his friends." She rose, stirred the fire and took a maple stick from a large wood-basket. "Let me," I said, taking it from her. "You really don't look strong enough." "Oh, but I am; you 'll see." "By the way, don't let my son do anything like this. He is often careless and over confident, and he must not strain himself--he is under strict orders." She was silent for a moment then went on: "My son is not strong, as you must see." She looked at me appealingly, as if hoping I might dispute her statement; but I could say nothing. "A year ago," she spoke slowly, as if with difficulty, "he was in the Edinboro' Hospital for five months; he inherits his father's constitution, and the hemorrhages were very severe. Doctor Rugvie came over to see him, and advised his coming out here to Canada to live as far as possible in the pine forests. He has been away all summer. He is to go away again next year with one of the old guides. "I want you to remain with me as companion and assistant here in the house; the service is large and, as you will soon find," she added with a smile, "extremely personal. They are interested in us and our doings, and we are expected to reciprocate that interest. It will be a comfort to Jamie to know you are with me, and that I am not alone in this French environment." She interrupted herself to say: "Did Mrs. Beaseley tell you anything about this place? You can speak with perfect freedom to me. We have no mysteries here." She smiled as if she read my thoughts. "She told me she knew nothing of the place, except that Doctor Rugvie had hired a farm in Canada with some good buildings on it, and that he intended to use it for those who might need to be built up in health." "She has stated it exactly. My son and I are the first beneficiaries--only, this is not the farm." "Not the farm!" I exclaimed. She looked amused at my surprise. "What is it then? Do tell me."