His hand was lifted. Audrey felt rather than saw him go. Only a few feet, and the dogwood stars, the purple mist of the Judas-tree, the white fragrance of a wild cherry, came like a painted arras between them. For a time she could hear the movement of the branches as he put them aside; but presently this too ceased, and the place was left to her and to all the life that called it home. It was the same wood, surely, into which she had run two hours before, and yet--and yet--When her tears were spent, and she stood up, leaning, with her loosened hair and her gown that was the color of oak bark, against the beech-tree, she looked about her and wondered. The wonder did not last, for she found an explanation. “It has been blessed,” said Audrey, with all reverence and simplicity, “and that is why the light is so different.” CHAPTER IX MACLEAN TO THE RESCUE Saunderson, the overseer, having laboriously written and signed a pass, laid down the quill, wiped his inky forefinger upon his sleeve, and gave the paper to the storekeeper, who sat idly by. “Ye’ll remember that the store chiefly lacks in broadcloth of Witney, frieze and camlet, and in women’s shoes, both silk and callimanco. And dinna forget to trade with Alick Ker for three small swords, a chafing dish, and a dozen mourning and hand-and-heart rings. See that you have the skins’ worth. Alick’s an awfu’ man to get the upper hand of.” “I’m thinking a MacLean should have small difficulty with a Ker,” said the storekeeper dryly. “What I’m wanting to know is why I am saddled with the company of Monsieur Jean Hugon.” He jerked his thumb toward the figure of the trader standing within the doorway. “I do not like the gentleman, and I’d rather trudge it to Williamsburgh alone.” “Ye ken not the value of the skins, nor how to show them off,” answered the other. “Wherefore, for the consideration of a measure of rum, he’s engaged to help you in the trading. As for his being half Indian, Gude guide us! It’s been told me that no so many centuries ago the Highlandmen painted their bodies and went into battle without taking advantage even of feathers and silk grass. One half of him is of the French nobeelity; he told me as much himself. And the best of ye--sic as the Campbells--are no better than that.” He looked at MacLean with a caustic smile. The latter shrugged his shoulders. “So long as you tie him neck and heels with a Campbell I am content,” he answered. “Are you going? I’ll just bar the windows and lock the door, and then I’ll be off with yonder copper cadet of a French house. Good-day to you. I’ll be back to-night.”