Trynje shook her head. “I do not tell that,” she replied, laughing.
Madam struck her hands softly together as the two reappeared. “A better maid than man,” she cried. “Go fetch the Frenchman, Trynje; we will surprise him. Hurry back and let us see you both together.” She laughed as she looked again at Alaine’s curly head. “Yes, one can see that you are not a Dutch girl,” she said. “There, place yourself in that corner and Trynje by your side.” She turned them from the light when Trynje returned to take her place, and then at Jeanne’s entrance she went forward to meet her. “I am glad to receive and entertain travellers,” she said, graciously. “M. Crepin, let me present you to Trynje van der Deen and——” But Jeanne perceived and joined in the laugh. “Alaine!” she cried. “Thou, little one, art discovered.”
“Madam wished to employ me,” said Alaine, “but now she understands——”
“She still wishes you to remain as long as you will if you will do her the service of helping her to manage her affairs.” She looked at Jeanne.
“We thank you, madam,” said Jeanne, with a bow which would have done François Dupont credit. “My niece there is greatly wearied. It is no small journey to take, and when there is war in the land there is more danger to be looked for than that of rapid streams and wild beasts.”
“He who led you thither, where is he?”
“He left us when we were safe in English possessions.”
“I would have had him here also, for he must be as brave as yourself. I am alone, save for my servants, and I stand in continual fear of a raid from some of your Indians. Yet, I do not wish to leave. I expect my son at any time, and hope I can persuade him to remain. I manage this place with the help of an overseer and the servants, but one needs also a man of one’s own family. When he marries,” she glanced at Trynje, “I can hope to keep him at home.”
The two girls had retired to the window. Jeanne noted the direction of Madam’s glance. “It is, then, your future daughter-in-law that we see?”
“It is my future daughter-in-law,” replied Madam, compressing her lips. “My son must obey my desire in such a matter. You will remain, M. Crepin?”