"But I shall do none of these things because . . . because it would be
hardly worth while. I tried to win your love honestly; but as I
failed, let us say no more about it. I shall make no inquiries into
your peculiar purpose; since you have accomplished it, there is nothing
more to be said, save that you are not honest."
"Let us be going," she said, standing. "It will be twilight ere we
reach the settlement."
"Very well;" and he halloed for Victor.
The way back to the fort was one of unbroken silence. Neither madame
nor the Chevalier spoke again.
The Chevalier had some tasks to perform that evening which employed his
time far beyond the meal hour. When he entered the mess-room it was
deserted save for the presence of Corporal Fremin, one of the
dissatisfied colonists. Several times he had been found unduly under
the influence of apricot brandy. Du Puys had placed him in the
guardhouse at three different periods for this misdemeanor. Where he
got the brandy none could tell, and the corporal would not confess to
the Jesuit Fathers, nor to his brother, who was a priest.
Unfortunately, he had been drinking again to-day.
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