"'Tis well Madame does not overhear that confession. An heiress, and beautiful! Piff! but she might find others to her liking rather than this Cassion." "It is small chance she has had to make choice, and as to her being an heiress, where heard you such a rumor, Colonel Delguard?" The officer straightened up. "You forget, sir," he said slowly, "that the papers passed through my hands after Captain la Chesnayne's death. It was at your request they failed to reach the hands of Frontenac." La Barre gazed at him across the desk, his brows contracted into a frown. "No, I had not forgotten," and the words sounded harsh. "But they came to me properly sealed, and I supposed unopened. I think I have some reason to ask an explanation, Monsieur." "And one easily made. I saw only the letter, but that revealed enough to permit of my guessing the rest. It is true, is it not, that La Chesnayne left an estate of value?" "He thought so, but, as you must be aware, it had been alienated by act of treason." "Ay! but Comte de Frontenac appealed the case to the King, who granted pardon, and restoration." "So, 'twas rumored, but unsupported by the records. So far as New France knows there was no reply from Versailles." The Colonel stood erect, and advanced a step, his expression one of sudden curiosity. "In faith, Governor," he said swiftly, "but your statement awakens wonder. If this be so why does Francois Cassion seek the maid so ardently? Never did I deem that cavalier one to throw himself away without due reward." La Barre laughed. "Perchance you do Francois ill judgment, Monsieur le Colonel," he replied amused. "No doubt 'tis love, for, in truth, the witch would send sluggish blood dancing with the glance of her eyes. Still," more soberly, his eyes falling to the desk, "'tis, as you say, scarce in accord with Cassion's nature to thus make sacrifice, and there have been times when I suspected he did some secret purpose. I use the man, yet never trust him." "Nor I, since he played me foul trick at La Chine. Could he have found the paper of restoration, and kept it concealed, until all was in his hands?" "I have thought of that, yet it doth not appear possible. Francois was in ill grace with Frontenac, and could never have reached the archives. If the paper came to his hands it was by accident, or through some treachery. Well,'tis small use of our discussing the matter. He hath won my pledge to Mademoiselle la Chesnayne's hand, for I would have him friend, not enemy, just now. They marry on his return." "He is chosen then for the mission to Fort St. Louis?" "Ay, there were reasons for his selection. The company departs at dawn. Tell him, Monsieur, that I await him now for final interview." I watched Delguard salute, and turn away to execute his order. La Barre drew a paper from a drawer of the desk, and bent over it pen in hand. My eyes lifted to the face of De Artigny, standing motionless behind me in the deeper shadow.