"In the Chapel, Monsieur; he passed me a moment ago." "Good; inform the _père_ that I desire his presence at once. Wait! know you the fur trader, Hugo Chevet?" "I have seen the man, Monsieur--a big fellow, with a shaggy head." "Ay, as savage as the Indians he has lived among. He is to be found at Eclair's wine shop in the Rue St. Louis. Have your sentries bring him here to me. Attend to both these matters." "Yes, Monsieur." La Barre's eyes turned from the disappearing figure of the officer, rested a moment on my face, and then smiled grimly as he fronted Cassion. He seemed well pleased with himself, and to have recovered his good humor. "A delightful surprise for you, Monsieur Cassion," he said genially, "and let us hope no less a pleasure for the fair lady. Be seated, Mademoiselle; there may be a brief delay. You perceive my plan, no doubt?" Cassion did not answer, and the Governor looked at me. "No, Monsieur." "And yet so simple, so joyful a way out of this unfortunate predicament. I am surprised. Cassion here might not appreciate how nicely this method will answer to close your lips, but you, remembering clearly the private conference between myself and Colonel Delguard, should grasp my purpose at once. Your marriage is to take place tonight, Mademoiselle." "Tonight! my marriage! to whom?" "Ah! is there then more than one prospective bridegroom? Monsieur Cassion surely I am not in error that you informed me of your engagement to Mademoiselle la Chesnayne?" "She has been pledged me in marriage, Monsieur--the banns published." I sat with bowed head, my cheeks flaming. "'Tis then as I understood," La Barre went on, chuckling. "The lady is over modest." "I have made no pledge," I broke in desperately. "Monsieur spoke to my Uncle Chevet, not I!" "Yet you were told! You made no refusal?" "Monsieur, I could not; they arranged it all, and, besides, it was not to be until Monsieur returned from the West. I do not love him; I thought--" "Bah! what is love? 'Tis enough that you accepted. This affair is no longer one of affection; it has become the King's business, a matter of State. I decide it is best for you to leave Quebec; ay! and New France, Mademoiselle. There is but one choice, imprisonment here, or exile into the wilderness." He leaned forward staring into my face with his fierce, threatening eyes. "I feel it better that you go as Monsieur Cassion's wife, and under his protection. I decree that so you shall go." "Alone--with--with--Monsieur Cassion?" "One of his party. 'Tis my order also that Hugo Chevet be of the company. Perchance a year in the wilderness may be of benefit to him, and he might be of value in watching over young De Artigny."