"You have been here scarce more than a week."
Madame did not reply.
At four her calm and even spirits returned; and the thought of seeing France again filled her with subdued gaiety. The sun was nearing the forests' tops when the two women sauntered down to the river front, to put about the governor's pleasure boat. They put blankets and mats into the skiff and were about to push off, when Brother Jacques approached them.
"Now, what may he want?" asked Anne, in a whisper.
"You are going for a row upon the river?" asked Brother Jacques, respectfully.
"Yes, Brother Jacques," replied Anne. "Is not the water beautiful and inviting?"
"I would not venture far," he said. "Iroquois have been reported in the vicinity of Orléans."
"We intend to row as far as Sillery and back. There can be no danger in that."
Brother Jacques looked doubtful.
"And are not the Iroquois our friends?" asked madame. "Are not Frenchmen building a city in the heart of their kingdom?"