“I hope you been excuse me,” broke in old Etienne. “I overheard the name of Zelie Dionne, but I don't mean to listen. I have some good news for you, M'sieu' Farr, what you don't hear because you ain't been on this place for long time. And it is not good news for you, ma'm'selle, for now you can't get acquaint with very nice Canadian girl. The big beau Jean have come down here from Tadousac and now he own nice farm and they will get marry and be very happy up in the habitant country.”
“Thank God, there's some happiness in this world,” said Farr. “She is a good girl.”
There was almost joy on Kate Kilgour's face when she looked up at Farr.
Her god had been restored to his pedestal.
“Farewell,” he said at the little gate through which she had stepped into the street.
“No,” she cried as she turned and hurried away; “I'll not say it—not now!” And he wondered because there was joy in her tones.
XXXI
THE MASK OF CYNICISM
Old Etienne came to the gate with his lantern; the big turbines were stilling their rumble and growl in the deep pits and his day's work was ended.