Jeanne roamed at her own wayward will, oftenest within the inclosure with Pani by the hand. The repairs going on interested her. The new soldiers in their Continental blue and buff, most of it soiled and worn, presented quite a contrast to the red and gold of the English to which their eyes had become so accustomed. Now and then some one spoke respectfully to her; there was much outward deference paid to women even if the men were some of them tyrants within. And Jeanne asked questions in her own fearless fashion. She had picked up some English and by dint of both languages could make herself understood. "Well?" exclaimed a young lieutenant who had been overseeing some work and cleaning up at the barracks, turning a smiling and amused face towards her, "well, Mademoiselle, how do you like us--your new masters?" "Are you going to be masters here for long? Are you sure the English will not come back?" She raised her head proudly and her eyes flashed. "It looks as if we might stay," he answered. "You will not be everybody's master. You will not be mine." "Why, no. What I meant was the government. Individuals you know have always a certain liberty." She wondered a little what individuals were. Ah, if one could know a good deal! Something was stirring within her and it gave her a sort of pain, perplexing her as well. What a bright curious face it was with the big eyes that looked out so straightforwardly! "You are French, Mam'selle, or--" "Am I like an Indian?" She stood up straight and seemed two or three inches taller. He turned a sudden scarlet as he studied the mop of black curling hair, the long lashes, through which her eyes glittered, the brown skin that was sun kissed rather than of a copper tint, the shapely figure, and small hands that looked as if they might grasp and hold on. "No, Mam'selle, I think you are not." Then he looked at Pani. "You live here?" "Oh, not far away. Pani is my--oh, I do not know what you call it--guard, nurse, but I am a big girl now and do not need a nurse. Monsieur, I think I am French. But I dropped from the clouds one evening and I can't remember the land before that." The soldier stared, but not impertinently. "Mam'selle, I hope you will like us, since we have come to stay." "Ah, do not feel too sure. The French drove out the Indians, the English conquered the French, and they went away--many of them. And you have driven out the English. Where will the next people come from?" "The next people?" in surprise. "The people to drive you out." She laughed softly. "We will not be driven out." "Are you as strong as that?" "Mam'selle, we have conquered the English from Maine to the Carolinas, and to the Mississippi river. We shall do all the rest sometime." "I think I shall be an American. I like people who are strong and can never be beaten." "Of course you will have to be an American. And you must learn to speak English well."