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.