He strode forward, across the narrow open space, and disappeared into the fringe of trees bordering the edge of the bluff. It would have been easy for me to depart, to escape to the security of the tent below, but curiosity held me motionless. I knew what he would discover, and preferred to face the consequences where I was free to answer him face to face. I wished him to be suspicious, to feel that he had a rival; I would fan his jealousy to the very danger point. Nor had I long to wait. Forth from the shade of the trees he burst, and came toward me, his face white, his eyes blazing. "Tis the fellow I thought," he burst forth, "and he went down the face of the bluff yonder. So you dared to have tryst with him?" "With whom, Monsieur?" "De Artigny, the young fool! Do you think me blind? Did I not know you were together in Quebec? What are you laughing at?" "I was not laughing, Monsieur. Your ridiculous charge does not amuse me. I am a woman; you insult me; I am your wife; you charge me with indiscretion. If you think to win me with such cowardly insinuations you know little of my nature. I will not talk with you, nor discuss the matter. I return to the camp." His hands clinched as though he had the throat of an enemy between them, but angry as he was, some vague doubt restrained him. "_Mon Dieu_! I'll fight the dog!" "De Artigny, you mean? Tis his trade, I hear, and he is good at it." "Bah! a bungler of the woods. I doubt if he ever crossed blades with a swordsman. But mark you this, Madame, the lad feels my steel if ever you so much as speak to him again." There was contempt in my eyes, nor did I strive to disguise it. "Am I your wife, Monsieur, or your slave?" "My wife, and I know how to hold you! _Mon Dieu_! but you shall learn that lesson. I was a fool to ever give the brat place in the boats. La Barre warned me that he would make trouble. Now I tell you what will occur if you play false with me." "You may spare your threats--they weigh nothing. The Sieur de Artigny is my friend, and I shall address him when it pleases me. With whatever quarrel may arise between you I have no interest. Let that suffice, and now I bid you good night, Monsieur." He made no effort to halt me, nor to follow, and I made my way down the darkening path, without so much as turning my head to observe his movements. It was almost like a play to me, and I was reckless of the consequences, intent only on my purpose.