François laughed. “Then I will say that I mean to use every human endeavor to make it possible to marry Alaine Hervieu, and when a resolution takes possession of me I am not one to give it up easily.”
The old man softly patted together the outstretched tips of his fingers and thoughtfully looked out upon the water. “Alaine was never a child to be coerced,” he said.
“In matters of religion, perhaps not, but in matters of the heart a woman yields to him who proves himself her master, who does not cringe nor sue, but who gives her no chance to say no to him. For that reason, Father Bisset, I leave you to do your part by moral suasion while I direct the other matter with a high hand. It was through her affections entirely that she was won over to the Huguenots, and through her affections it is for you to win her back, first by mild discourse, and secondly by producing a father who has conformed to your belief. I think by playing your cards properly—I beg your pardon, by using the gentle means you know so well how to employ, that you will soon win her to your way of thinking. That is all I ask of you.”
“And you will not be disappointed,” returned the wily old man. “I feel sure that we shall both be of one mind, Alaine and I, when we leave the ship, Monsieur Dupont.”
“So soon?” François struck his hands together in satisfied approval. “As soon as this? You are doing well, Father.” He laughed. “How sweet is revenge! There is nothing so sweet.”
“Except forgiveness,” returned the other, gently.
François got up and walked the deck excitedly. “I say revenge. By the saints, but I shall have won, if not in all directions, at least in one.” He stepped closer to the old man. “And I reckon on you, Father Bisset, to make it possible for me to win in both. Alaine vows she will marry no one whom her father does not favor; the inference is obvious. Behold your son-in-law, good Monsieur Hervieu, bondman over there in Guadaloupa. I come to your assistance.” He blew a kiss from his finger-tips. “You are grateful, monsieur, and with our good priest’s help I shall endeavor to find a way to persuade you to agree with me, when I endeavor to show you why I should prove to be an acceptable husband for your daughter. I have come far to satisfy my desires; I shall not return ungratified.”
“And your destination on this voyage?” inquired Father Bisset.
“Is Canada. We place Alaine with the good sisters, who will complete the work you have so well begun.”
Father Bisset’s eyelids drooped over his eyes to hide the sudden anxiety which leaped up into them. “But suppose, my good sir, that Alaine should prefer the life of a religious to the name of Madame Dupont.”