FROM A GIRL'S HEART
Rose stood looking over the wide expanse of the river to the opposite shore, wondering a little. Down there, miles and miles below, were the English settlements. The men, as traders, came to Quebec now and then. Were the English women like the French? Were there young girls among them? She was beginning to experience a peculiar loneliness, a want of companionship, that no one about her could satisfy.
"Madame Destournier wishes to see you," exclaimed Pani, who had been sent on the errand.
She went slowly to miladi's room, and entering it wished her good-morning, with a dainty courtesy.
"You will be needed for a matter in hand," began miladi, "about which I desire to say a few words before the gentlemen come. It would have been settled yesterday, but you were not to be found. Where were you?"
Miladi asked it carelessly, so intent on the matter in hand that she did not remark the color that flew up to the fair brow.
"Out on the river," she answered briefly.
"It is not proper for you to go alone. I have told you of this before. You are a young woman, and with so many men roaming about, it is too bold and unsafe, as well."
"I am never in any danger."
"You do not know. But then it is not proper."