Part 32 (1/2)

”I couldn't. Oh, Ralph, be kind to me. Do not let that girl steal your love from me. I was quite as pretty in youth, but the years are hard on one. And I need your love more than ever. You are not tender and caressing as Laurent was.”

He bent over and kissed her, smoothed her tangled hair, and patted the hot cheek.

”I have been busy all day, and have had no supper,” he began, loosening the hands about his neck.

She sobbed wildly. She had been so lonely all day. She missed M. Boulle so much. He would have been a son to them.

He had to tear himself away. He did not take his supper, but rushed out to make inquiries. Where had Rose gone? Was she wandering about the woods? There had been wolves, stray Indians, and a dozen dangers. The palisade gates were fastened. He asked at two or three of the cabins, where he knew she was a favorite. And where was Pani?

Pani was asleep on a soft couch of moss, under a clump of great oak trees. He had lain down, warm and tired, and his nap was good for ten or twelve hours.

”I saw her by Noko's wigwam,” said a woman, as she heard him inquiring.

Not even waiting to thank her, he rushed thither. Noko had the reputation of being a sort of seer, though she seldom used her gift. She sat on the stone beside her door, and a woman knelt before her, to whom she was talking in a low monotonous tone. His step startled the listener, and she sprang up.

”Whither did Rose go?” he asked peremptorily, seizing Noko's arm.

”She is here, Monsieur. She is in bed asleep. There is trouble and the fair-haired woman hates her. You had better not try to make them agree.

And she has no love for the dark-haired suitor who is on the river, dreaming of her. She is too young. Let her alone.”

”I wanted to know that she was safe. I will see her in the morning. Keep her until I come.”

”Yes, Monsieur.”

Madame Destournier had wept herself to sleep, and was breathing in comparative tranquillity. Ralph sat down beside the bed. If Rose had loved Eustache Boulle, the way would have been smooth as a summer sea.

Was he sorry, or mysteriously glad? Why should he be glad? he demanded of himself.

Rose made no demur the next morning when M. Destournier told her of the new arrangements, only stipulating that she should have her liberty, to go and come as she pleased.

”Are you very angry because I could not take M. Boulle for a husband?”

she inquired timidly.

”Oh, no, no. It was your life, Mademoiselle, for sorrow or joy. You only had the right to choose.”

The bronze lashes quivered sensitively upon her cheeks, and a soft flush seemed to tangle itself among them.

”Is it joy, M'sieu?” in a low tone.

”It ought to be.”

”Then I shall wait until there comes a touch of joy greater than any I have yet known. And I have had thrills of delight that have gone all through my body, but they faded. The love for a husband should last one's whole life.”

”Yes, Mademoiselle. Why not?”

All the white tones of her skin flushed to rose, and crept even among the tendrils of her hair and over her small ears. Had he ever remarked how perfect they were before?

”_Ma fille_,” he responded softly. ”And you will be content until better times.”

”So long as I do not have to marry, yes.”