And then we sat for a time in silence. I stared at the future, and saw a big decision beetling before me. When I dread a moment, I rush to meet it, which is the behavior of a spoiled boy. "You will get rid of Starling to-morrow?" I asked. Cadillac nodded. "Yes. He is best out of the way, and, though I see nothing to mistrust in the man, I shall feel better if he goes east while the Senecas go west." "How will you send him?" "To Montreal with an escort of Ottawas. From there he can make his own way." I looked down. "Madame de Montlivet may wish to go at the same time. You must arrange for her also if she wishes." Cadillac shrugged. "You leave the decision with her?" "Absolutely, monsieur." Cadillac rapped his knuckles together. "Don't run romanticism into the ground, Montlivet." But my inflammable temper did not rise. "A woman certainly has some right of selection. Starling says that I forced her to marry me. That is substantially true. What time do you plan to have Starling leave?" "As early as possible. I shall not tell him tonight. It will take a little time to get the canoes in readiness." "Then I shall see Madame de Montlivet in the morning, as early as possible. I shall let you know her decision at once, monsieur." "Montlivet, she will need time to consider." I shook my head. "She has thought the matter out. I think her answer will be ready." And then we said good-night. CHAPTER XXVIII CHILDREN OF OPPORTUNITY It was but little after dawn the next morning when I met Madame de Montlivet in the waiting-room of the commandant. It was a crisp, clear morning, blue of water and sky. I stood at the window and looked at the water-way that led to the east, and waited for my wife. I had several speeches prepared for her, but when she came I said none of them. I took her hand and led her to the window. "Look at the path of the sun, madame. It was just such a morning when you came to me first." Her hand lingered a moment in mine. "I came to the most gallant gentleman that I have ever known." With all the kindness of her words there was something in them that spoke of parting. "Then will you stay with him?" I cried. "Mary, I know no gallant gentleman. To me he seems much a fool and a dreamer. But such as he is he is loyally yours. Will you stay with him? Or will you start for Montreal this morning with your cousin?" "This morning?" "Yes, as soon as the canoes can be made ready. I did not know this till after midnight. I wish I might have warned you." "This is warning enough. I was sure that this was what you had to tell me when you asked for me so early. There is but one thing for me to do. I must go with my cousin."