With much laughter we gradually settled down. When M. de Sarennes had doffed his outer wrappings and appeared in a close-fitting suit of some dark blue stuff, I thought I had seldom seen a handsomer type of man, and did not wonder at the pride his womenkind displayed. He was very tall, had a dark olive face like his sister, great flashing eyes, and black hair that rolled handsomely off his well-shaped forehead; and I could easily imagine that more usual clothing would transform him into a prince among his fellows. Before taking his place at table he left us for a little to see after his men, who were provided for in the kitchen. When he returned, he said: "Luntook, my Indian, tells me that it was he who carried you off, madame. He had taken you for English women, and even now can scarce be persuaded he was mistaken, though he gave you up to le pere Jean." "We are English women, monsieur." "And you would go to Louisbourg?" he asked, I thought sharply, with a flash of his great eyes. "Yes, monsieur," I said, quietly. But he said nothing further, beyond assuring me that the Indian was thoroughly trustworthy, and I need be in no fear of him. Thereupon we sate down to table, and as her brother ate, Angelique related to him our story, or, rather, a merry burlesque of our adventures, at which he laughed heartily. "Well, madame, I have news for your waiting-woman, at least; though why she should run away when she must be dying to hear it, is more than I can imagine. Tell her that her son arrived safely at Louisbourg, where he was soon a hot favourite with every one in the garrison, and most of all with the Chevalier de Maxwell." Here he paused to raise his glass, looking hard at me the while. To my distress, the tell-tale blood leaped to my face at the unexpected mention of that dear name. "Being a stirring lad and much attached to me," he continued, without apparently noticing my confusion, "he begged to be allowed to join me on an expedition. We were surprised by the English, and he was slightly wounded--oh, nothing, I assure you, madame, a mere scratch!--and carried off a prisoner, but no doubt is even now as great a favourite with them as he was with us. Should they come to look us up in the spring, I doubt not he will be found in their ranks. At all events, he is with his friends, and is safe." So rejoiced was I to hear this news for Lucy's sake, that I excused myself and withdrew to my room, where I found the dear, patient soul on her knees, awaiting whatever tidings I might bring. "Oh, my dear mistress," she said, quietly, when I had told her all, "I have prayed and hoped, but at times my poor faith would almost fail me; and even now, when trembling at what I might have to bear, His message comes, that all is well with the child." CHAPTER XVII I FIND MYSELF IN A FALSE POSITION